Legend of Mana: Legend of the Jumi

(Pearl Version)

This story is rated PG-13 for language and some violence.

This story is exclusively based on the Jumi storyline from the Square game Legend of Mana. I planned the outline on July 2000, and began it in June 2001.

The story takes great liberties with the original storyline. I wished to use the potential of the Jumi story from Legend of Mana to create something as whole as possible, that omits and changes the parts that I did not like. The story emerged as a curious hybrid between a direct re-write/novelization and an alternate reality story. It is neither one nor the other, but employs elements of both.

Two versions of the story exist, depending on which character the reader wishes Elazul to end up with (Pearl is the “default” or game-pairing). If a chapter is marked “both versions” it means that it's identical in both. The versions are 90% identical. The triangle is not meant to gratify some wish of the author to see Elazul paired up with anyone and everyone, but is deliberate, to prevent the “Sandra problem”. It is, however, much less pronounced in the Pearl version. Both versions emphasize Pearl and Elazul's relationship.

To settle some thorny questions right away. First, Sandra is based on the U.S. version of the character. Second, a significant addition are three “semi-originals”, Jumi characters featured in the Japanese version, which I re-created based on hints from their description, and integrated into this story. Third, to settle an often-asked question, the mute characters will NOT appear in the story, and in fact, the legend is meant to replace the need for them. Finally, the number of deaths will significantly alter- between one and three- because due to the changes in the story, no miraculous mass-resurrection happens, and any death is meant to be permanent.

That is all. Enjoy.

Prologue: The Legend of the Jumi

    The young girl folded the corners of her apron away from her lap as she seated herself in a corner of a room in the back of the house, unveiling the object she carried within it. She curled inside the shadowy corner and slowly pried the object open with her small hands. It was a great, heavy tome, its dull bronze edges fastened by a metal clasp. The girl opened the clasp and carefully flipped through the tome's pages. The old, brittle sheets of paper made a faint rustling noise as she rolled them away one by one, and she handled them with care and gentleness that seemed surprising for a child so young.
    

She finally found what she sought: a section that appeared in the middle half of the book. For a moment she paused, thrilled at the beautifully decorated margins of the page, which consisted of delicate paintings, their color faded with age. Her eyes finally sought the words inscribed upon the pages, and her lips murmured them over as she begun to read the ornately-curled writings:

    "Three thousand years ago, when the Faeries still walked among men, they waged war on the humans because they sought to protect the world from the human greed for power. And because human mages were extremely powerful, the Faeries called higher beings to their aid. Seven angels answered their prayers, descending from the heavens and walking among the humans and Faeries in their own forms.

    "One of the angels chose to walk among the people of the Jumi. This angel revealed to the Jumi the secret of tapping into their secret healing powers, embedded in their life-gems, and taught them to heal not only their own wounds, but those of others. The Jumi thus discovered the power of their healing tears, and were revered by humans and Faeries alike as the sacred saviors of life.

    "But humans, discovering that the healing powers of the Jumi stemmed from their gems, begun to hunt them down. Their jewel cores allowed the Jumi to live a life span of almost a thousand years, and the humans believed that the cores would give them longer life spans.

    "The Jumi healing tears dried up as a result. They could no longer cry, and their life-span became shorter. Ever since then very few Jumi were gifted with healing powers, and they use it exclusively for the benefits of their own race. They close themselves inside Etansel, their city of jewels, surrounding it with strong magical barriers, and refuse to have anything with the outside world. Thus the Jumi were sealed inside their city for a thousand years, and even today their population is small, and they face the threat of extinction.

    "The angel who helped the Jumi to uncover their healing powers vanished after the war with the Faeries was over. It is said that the other six angels has returned to Paradise, but that this angel still lives in the world. The Jumi believe that one day it will return to heal the hearts of the Jumi, and they will be able to cry again.

    "The Legend of the Jumi Angel."

    The girl paused in her reading. She looked down at her own shirt, and pried the strings open with her fingers. A faint glow inside the shadows revealed the jewel embedded in the upper part of her chest. She knew that she was a Jumi.

    But she never saw the jeweled city of the Jumi in her life.

PART I: ELAZUL (Both versions)

"Wanderer's Path" is the name of the tune that occurs in Luon Highway.

Prelude: Wanderer's Path

     The highway of crushed red stones was splattered with blood on that heavy summer day, and the orange air reverberated with the cries and whispers of passing souls. The broken bodies strewn upon the stratum served as testimony to the violence that occurred on the road not long ago. A sole witness to the scene of carnage, the young nun traced the winding tendrils of the blood trickling beneath the bodies with her eyes, watched it cutting their way slowly through the dust, like snaky fingers almost alive with their promise of death. And let them promise, she thought. I am not, have never been, and will never be afraid of death.

    Now different voices emerged, the voices of the shrine's mentors, scolding her, lecturing her with that righteous ire so alien to her soul, slicing at her with their icy edge. "Sandra, why this far-off wandering from the temple, why this restless, meandering spirit, why this base urge. Come back to the shrine, to the blessed, calming center that serves as a balm for our souls, rid yourself of that destructive darkness." And she knew that she will say, "I don't belong here,” and she also knew that they will forgive, because she had nowhere to go, no other home but that temple. And she will despise them, as always, because she knew their holy light chokes, constricts, suffocates their souls.

     And yet, she thought, I don't hate them, I can't, I won't. After all, they let me stay after mother died, and-

     Then a soft noise, the faintest sound of a stir reached her ears, and she realized that one of the men was still alive.

     She swiftly came over, feeling like her body was slicing, swimming through the thick heat. Not for the first time she reflected, this hot land of eternal summer is not for me; I need greenery and coolness and winds of freedom, I need quickness and energy. This place slows me down, its woven holy cobwebs sticking to me and detaining my progress.

      She knelt by the body of a man who lay just a little apart from the rest, as if he sought to distance himself from them. He sprawled on the ground in a contorted position that was almost grotesque, one arm folded underneath his body, his face hidden from view. His wide cloak, a bleached green like the color of sun-dried sand, spread upon his body and concealed it. Dark patches stained the upper part of the cloak, near the collar.

     He groaned, a choked sound rattling from a parched throat. Who knows, she thought with detachment, how long he lay here on the broken red highway in the scorching rays of the merciless sun, slowly drained of his life's blood?

     Placing one arm under his shoulder and applying a measured amount of force, the young nun managed to turn the young man gently. It still must have been painful, because he emitted another curt cry of agony. She could finally see the bright blood that washed down the left side of his face, turning it into a gruesome mask of red and white. A head injury, who knows how grievous. She placed her fingers on his chest, just beneath the lacing of the sky-colored shirt. His heart was beating regularly, and there was no evidence of blood anywhere on his body.

     Something bothered her, some irregularity beneath her fingers. Although no blood was in evidence, she felt something on his chest, as if some object struck him and remained buried inside. Given this fact, it was strange that there was no blood in sight, and that he was still alive. Still stranger was the fact that this object was smooth and round rather than sharp and pointed. She immediately parted the lacing of his shirt to examine this puzzling phenomenon. It was a spherical globe, glowing with a clear blue light, halfway embedded into the upper part of the man's chest.

     She stared at it, her eyes narrowed to a slit. She could not help feeling a shock at this unexpected sight. A Jumi, she thought. A Jumi! And this far from the jeweled city. How did this come to be?

     She had no time to think, however, because she heard her name being called from afar. Quickly and quietly she laced the man's shirt to the neckline and turned around to face the people approaching- younger nuns from the shrine. She then decided that she must not let them touch him. She cannot let them discover that he is a Jumi. No one shall know that he is a Jumi, she thought; no one but me.

     Five days elapsed before the Jumi warrior recovered from his head injury, and Sandra insisted on nursing him exclusively. Medicinal healing was the one task that she excelled at, the one worthy aspect of her life in the shrine. The nuns complied to her peculiar wish, although she could very well imagine what the younger ones must have thought of her insistence to attend solely to such a handsome man. Fellow students as they were, she never liked them much. Most of them came to the shrine to learn medicinal skills, and were daughters of wealthy families that sponsored the shrine, with no intention of staying beyond their years of tutelage. But she, being an orphan, was forced to remain, and this fact set her apart, burned between them like a barrier of invisible fire. She did not mind it in the least. Let them giggle and gloat from afar. She watched and waited quietly, could see through them in an instance, harbored her knowledge as a power she could summon against them at need.

     The Jumi warrior was feverish for two nights, but then his flush receded and he slept a healthy, sound sleep. His constitution was apparently very strong, and he quickly embarked on an excellent way to recovery. But he only fully awoke and made sense of his surroundings on the fifth morning. When Sandra came into the room on that morning he was sitting up on the bed, the cup of water in his hand, which he quickly set on an adjacent wooden desk at her entry.

     "Where am I?" The question was curt, its tone demanding an immediate reply. Sandra was far from willing to comply to a question uttered in such a way, so she seated herself by the bed and folded her hands neatly in her lap, a gesture befitting a nun. As she did so, she observed him steadily. She knew that he couldn't see her face through the thick white veil that concealed most of it. She was dressed in a nun's pure white costume- hat, veil, long-sleeved shirt, pantaloons, cloak and boots- and all these covered her head and her body, and left nothing visible but her dark, remarkable eyes. How ironic, she thought, all that white concealing the real me, its purpose to turn me into a puppet of their making, the chaste apparition, the ghost of my true myself. Yet she did not mind it, because she knew that those who fathomed the true image of things possessed power to manipulate those who do not.

     The Jumi knight answered her scrutinizing gaze with a serious expression- his dark hair fell in long strands over his forehead, and the look in his eyes was suspicious. And she thought herself with amusement, what a handsome man he is; my age, I believe, perhaps a little younger- no need to look at me in this hard, suspicious way with those blue eyes of yours- I shall not hurt you unless I so wish.

     She finally chose to answer his question, and told him the shrine's name and location. He appeared to relax somewhat at her reply, and leant back against his pillow. "I was attacked on the road," he disclosed. "Bandits, perhaps. I recall seeing the shrine, but it seemed far off, resting on the top of a towering cliff. I think that I managed to kill all of them, but they injured me pretty badly. I lost consciousness after I got the last one- in fact, I was sure that he had killed me, but I guess that I was wrong." His tone was a little wry now, and something in it made her like him a little better than before.

     "I found you, and brought you here," she told him in sedate tones, specifically designed to put him at ease. "It was not the first time, you know, that I meet people frantically scrambling up the paths leading to the temple, seeking either medical aid or a safe sanctuary from prosecutors. You are not the first man that I have discovered dying near the shrine, nor will you be the last." Her irrepressible smile tilted the corner of her mouth, although he could not see it. "You were ill for five days."

     He was silent for a moment, eyeing her, and she sensed that he was taking her measure carefully. Finally, he spoke. "I recall being nursed by nuns these last few days. You all look the same to me, but I am fairly sure that it was only you. Something about," he hesitated, then reluctantly completed his sentence, "your eyes. I could recognize the same eyes looking at me. It became a little bit of a repeating nightmare after a while." He gazed straight at her again, an expression of inquiry in his eyes, of suspicion, perhaps a little of wariness- and she understood the unasked question in them.

     He is afraid that he was discovered a Jumi.

     She spoke with her clear voice, her dark and beautiful eyes, that possessed that ever-present, cynical glimmer of amusement within their depths, twinkling now. "I am flattered to be remembered this way."

     She couldn't tell whether his suspicions has been lulled, but the ironic tone in which she spoke her reply drew a reluctant smile from him for the first time.

     "I never did thank you, did I?" he remarked, leaning forward. "I don't wish to seem ungrateful. My name is Elazul, and I am"- a slight pause followed, that she understood well- "a wandering knight. And what is your name?"

     "My name is Sandra."

     Another pause followed, then he looked down, his fingers smoothing the white covers of the bed, and remarked quietly, "You have good healing skills. I did not expect to be healed that quickly in an ordinary way."

     "And in what way are you used to being healed?" she inquired. She already knew all about the Jumi healing tears, the reason that the Jumi were hunted and declined, the reason that they locked themselves inside their glittering, hard city of jewels, away from the world of the living, locked themselves away like the nuns lock themselves in the shrine she lived in. And, although she concealed it, she wished to know more about that city, and about the Jumi.

     But, as she has foreseen, he avoided her question, murmuring a vague answer.

     A silence followed; there was nothing else to say. She understood that he was on his guard again, and that she would draw nothing else from him at present. So she rose from her seat, and told him that she will be bringing him his medicine. This done, she checked on the wound and displaced his bandages with fresh ones. After she performed this operation, Elazul lay back on his bed, his eyes on the wall, lost in thought- no doubt wishing to be alone. She respected his wishes and withdrew

     Sandra thought of Elazul all that morning, all that day. Something drew her to him; not the least being that he was the first Jumi she has ever seen. She wished to ask him questions about the Jumi, and carefully weighed her options about approaching him in the right way, to disarm him.

     It was a complicated matter; but as it happens, she never had the chance to accost him and test her approach. Weak as he seemed, the next evening he left the shrine without telling anyone, and vanished as if he had never existed.

     When Sandra was informed of Elazul's disappearance she was thoughtful for a long while. Then, one burning evening, when the heat was almost unbearable and rippled in the air like a living thing, she seated herself with a pot of ink and a goose feather and composed a short missive on a crisp, cream-colored piece of paper. When she finished, she inscribed a curious address, directed to a person called "A. Reynard".

     Three years passed before Sandra and Elazul met again.

"Sparkling City of Ruin" is the name of the song in the Jumi city in Legend of Mana.

Chapter 1: Sparkling City of Ruin

    The sparkling radiance of this city is beautiful, thought the young knight, and doubtlessly it would be a stunning sight to those unused to it, had strangers ever been admitted to the city. The eternal glow of the clear, colored stones set into the pavement and walls is rich and resplendent, providing it with constant illumination. Yet this light is, to me, also harsh and grating, the cold glare of a prison cell, for I attempted to distance myself from this light for a long, long time.
    Dawn was just a few hours away, and the morning sunshine would dim the bright play of lights a little; but in the chill darkness of the post-midnight hour they preyed on the knight's mind, followed him persistently like tiny wil-o-wisps, haunting and tormenting him with morbid thoughts. He paused for a moment, leaning against a luminous wall and perspiring with fatigue. He did not know what urged him to wander the city streets when everything was cold and still. Seeking the darkness, perhaps, the darkness that never existed within that eternally bright city.
    You tried to escape once, he told himself; many years ago you embarked on that ill-chosen adventure, from which you returned scathed and weak, straggling like a rag doll back to the city, the marks of the wounds dealt to you by so many jewel-hunters scarring your body. You were lucky; few of the young Jumi who venture out return, because, by the decree of Lady Black Pearl, made the law of the city, they are never looked for.
    A moving body, a stealing shadow, caught his eye and interrupted his thoughts, and his blue Lapis Lazuli core began to glow. He was still leaning against the gemmed wall, and almost closed his eyes with weariness. But that fleeting irregularity, marring the brightness, drew his attention. Nothing remained hidden for long in the upper levels of Etansel, city of sparkling lights, for sooner or later the merciless glare brought everything into view.
    His glowing core indicated to Elazul that the lurker was a Jumi; but he did not need this confirmation to know it. No other creatures or races were admitted into the city, nor were any ever known to break through, not even in the time of the great war waged upon the city, when he was a child. Its strong magical barrier kept all non-Jumi out. He was therefore not alarmed, but curious about this person, and a little irked that he or she would lurk in the shadows this way, like a thief. Nothing should prevent Jumi from confronting each other within their own city. He drew his sword, but this was merely a matter of precaution, induced by the lurker's unusual behavior. And perhaps, he thought to himself, perhaps I am no longer a true Jumi. Perhaps the policies of the Lady Black Pearl are right. Perhaps my contact with the outside world corrupted me into suspicion and fear of a fellow Jumi, something another Jumi would never dream of. And innocence lost can never be regained.
    "Show your face," he said in a clear, carrying tone. "And state your purpose."
    The figure stepped from the faint darkness into a blaze of colored light. Elazul faced a young man of about his own age, perhaps a little younger. He examined the youth silently, and was answered by an equally searching gaze, whose sharp scrutiny was nevertheless mellowed by a hint of a smile inside the dark eyes. The young man's eyes were for a moment illuminated by the white light of diamonds, which decorated the side of a flanking wall, and Elazul could see that their color was green. He was wearing dark colors: a purple bandanna, that Elazul recognized to emulate the style of thieves and pirates, winding about his head, concealing his hair completely except for the straight chestnut forelocks that swept across his forehead and into his eyes. He wore, besides, a loose green shirt half-covered by a dark purple vest, dark pants, and knee-high leather boots. His appearance, on the whole, bespoke a foreign style that Elazul recognizes from experience, and his interest in this oddly-dressed youth increased.
    "My name is Alex," the youth said, answering Elazul's stern injunction. "And I was looking for you because-" But here he hesitated, as if unsure of his words.

    Elazul did not wait for him to complete his sentence, but asked, "What kind of a Jumi are you? And why did you not approach me more quickly?“ His eyes traveled to the laced shirt the young man wore, and he could discern the cantors of a dark stone barely glimmering through. A true Jumi, then. Elazul relaxed. Despite the confirmation of his own core, the youth's style prompted an unreasonable fear in him, one that always lurked in the recess of his mind: that one day, the barrier would weaken, and someone may manage to break through uninvited. Because, for all his burning desire to escape the city, he cared about his people strongly, and his experience in the world outside the Etansel taught him that the danger threatening the Jumi was not a nebulous mirage, but a very real threat; the policies of Black Pearl not random acts of tyranny, but a hard-headed, practical solution. Somehow the knowledge that they were all safe inside the city, inside this beautiful structure that was their prison and their haven at the same time, was both heart-achingly painful and strangely reassuring.
    And still, he was unsure of the proficiency of this prison; for what shocked Elazul most profoundly was the reduced population of the Jumi. Years ago when he wandered the streets at night he had to take the side-streets and back alleys and upper balconies when he walked the lower levels of the city to acquire peace and escape. But nowadays, on nights such as these, he wandered almost alone. That such a change would be wrought since he came of age, reduce the number of Jumi so greatly was to him sickening, a realization that hit him nastily, like a blow to the stomach. People spoke of an recurrence of an illness which had frequented the Jumi city for the last few hundred years at intervals. The recent outbreaks must have been grievous indeed, thought Elazul, to have affected the Jumi population this strongly. No wonder the Lady Florina-
    The young man's voice- his name, he had said, was Alex- intruded upon Elazul's thoughts. "This is my stone," he said, parting the lace of his shirt at the neck slightly. "It's green by day, but purple by night.” And indeed, the stone appeared dark and sullen, refusing to shine in the city's light, as if rejecting, or perhaps absorbing, its intense and beautiful glow.
    Elazul scanned the stone. The name Alex made sense to him now. It did not, however, detract the suspicion roused by the youth's foreign style. "Well? You said you were looking for me. Why did you? And who sent you? I have been outside the city before, and your style of clothes does not seem like the style of a Jumi to me."
    This question was partly asked from curiosity. The youth replied, "Nobody sent me. I-" again, that slight hesitation, although the corners of his mouth twitched in a seemingly irrepressible smile. "Truly, I have been outside for a long time, but now I return to the city. I have asked people for the best warrior of these parts, and they named you. I have come with a request to you: to train me to be a Jumi knight."
    Elazul's sympathy stirred at their similar circumstances, and he wondered why the youth left the city- perhaps the same reasons that he did- if nothing else, it denoted courage. The city always received dissenter Jumi back, because young Jumi knights sometimes stole out before being assigned with a guardian. But the Jumi did not have the manpower to waste on seeking out those young adventurers and rescuing them from any scrape they may fall into. Those who came back stronger for their experience were received without comment and re-integrated into the city; those who did not come back were never mentioned again. Dissenters were therefore few.
    He betrayed none of these reflections, however, and answered calmly, "I had not known my skill is in such renown in the city. What is the extent of your former training?"
    "I was a part of a gang of robbers," the youth replied with what seemed to Elazul a shameless cheerfulness, "and I survived pretty well. I did learn much from them in the way of swordsmanship, but it was far from professional level, certainly not enough, I think, to become a knight in this city. And it seems to me that you devalue your own merits. Elazul, they told me, is one of the best swordsmen around- he had been, they said, to foreign parts, and became a warrior to contend with. I requested for your description and based on it I sought you these last few days." The answer was plausible enough; but something about a sly side-glance, a quirk of the smiling mouth, rendered Elazul uneasy.
    He nevertheless relaxed his hold on the hilt of his sword and slipped it back into its sheath. He was not afraid of this slender youth called Alex, could imagine no reason for this boy to begrudge him or have a design on his life. And if Alex sought him out for some undisclosed purpose, well, it was better to have him nearby and under surveillance than stalking him secretly.
    "I'll judge your skills for myself," he said. "I shall see if training you is a worthy investment, or a waste of time."
    An inexplicable laugh shook Alex, but he said, "I can only suppose that this city needs warriors. Think of doing this for the benefit of your city."
    A smile curled Elazul's mouth at this intrepid answer. "I suppose that I can teach you a few skills. Are you planning to contend for a guardian?" For Jumi who acquired the appropriate status of a knight or guardian were considered adults, and forming a knight-guardian pair bestowed greater rights and privileges.

    In the Jumi society, the guardians healed with their tears, sacrificing the life-energy of their jeweled cores, while Jumi knights were trained to protect the guardians and their precious tear-source. Traditionally, especially before the Jumi cores dried, women were guardians, men knights. Before the advent of the magical shield, the men were more likely to die in combat, and their average life-span was shorter than the women's. But after the shield was cast upon the city, the burden on the women increased, and, unless caught in war or illness, more women died than the men. Consequently, and also because healers were rare, men began to participate in guardianships. But women knights were still unheard of, and indeed, traditionally forbidden.

    Only one woman had ever been trained in arms: Black Pearl herself, rumored to be the oldest Jumi in the city. She was the knight of the Clarius, the city's principal healer, and retained her position through the death of many Clarius. No one knew how Black Pearl became a knight. Even the oldest of Jumi could only recall that she always occupied this position, and no one dared contest the validity of her status. No one in Etansel dared to cross Black Pearl.

    Elazul himself had been knighted a long time ago, but he deterred from applying for a guardian. Due to the intimate relationships between knights and guardians, a pairing became associated with a subsequent marriage, or otherwise a life-long partnership, the only exception being Black Pearl's permanent knightship to the various Clarius. The guardianship system was thousands of years old, created by the Jumi's need to protect their valued cores. Elazul sometimes wondered whether guardianship had always been associated with marriage, and guessed that it may not have been so. But the need of the Jumi to control their reduced population caused the society to become rigid and uncompromising, and taking a guardian had become synonymous with a precursor to getting married and settling down. And although it bestowed greater privileges, it also meant a deeper integration into the Jumi's rigid social structure. This was precisely what Elazul sought to avoid.
    Alex appeared surprised at Elazul's question about guardianship. "I wish to be knighted first," he answered. “Then I'll consider my next move.”
    "Then let me test your skills and see whether you are qualified for this title," Elazul said. "Come, follow me."

    The season of Spring flowed into the world like an intoxicating draught, like liquid honey. Elazul sensed all that vibrant energy lurking around the borders of Etansel like a creature of prey; and as in every spring he longed to leave this city, whose static glitter was set in dead stones, the barrier blocking the dangerous and intense forces rampant in the world outside. The Jumi sought to distance themselves from it, enclosing their city in an invisible sparkling shell of magic devised by the power of Black Pearl herself, a shell designed to protect them, a shell that, Elazul thought with desperate anger, disguised a city of dying people. But he's been in this place for a year now; surely he can leave one day, sometimes soon.

    "Alex," he began one day, as they were practicing their swordsmanship in a courtyard just above the eastern section of the city, the section Elazul preferred to all others because it received the most sunlight and seemed to him like one of the relatively healthier places in the city. "I have a question for you."
    Alex had been practicing under Elazul's tutelage for several months, and his proficiency had considerably improved. Elazul was secretly impressed with Alex's talent but rarely complimented him, and only made corrective remarks as needed. He knew that Alex did not wish to be complimented, he only wished to be taught; and he learned all Elazul could teach him quickly and avidly. His slim frame, already agile, hardened with practice. Although at first his strength quickly wore out, he always set his teeth stubbornly and practiced on, through the long evenings, through nights, and sometimes Elazul found him worn-out and white and sweating with exhaustion.
    At one such night- it was after midnight- Elazul found him lying on the floor with his face turned towards the ceiling, staring upwards with a blank look. He hurried towards him, thinking Alex might have injured himself, but then Alex's eye met his and a smile bent his mouth.
    "I can't move," he said. "My muscles gave out."
    "I can see that," replied Elazul, kneeling at his side and peering at him with a slight smile.
    "I was lying here and dreaming for a long time," Alex continued, his gaze once again turning towards the ceiling. "I dreamt the strangest dream. Wish to know what it is?"
    "Not in particular."
    "I dreamt I was in a tall tower, with hundreds of sparkling windows reflecting the moonlight. And my father took me by the hand and said, this is the looking-glass tower, the tower of Leires. My father said, this is the forbidden tower, and none can enter it save those who are meant to enter. We were in the mountains, and the craggy valley glowed in the moonlight."
    "There really is such a tower," remarked Elazul offhandedly.
    "Then an angel appeared, holding a sword of whose blade flowed like flame, and the angel said- what?"
    "The angel said 'what'?" Elazul repeated dryly. "A strange sort of angel."
    "No, I meant, is it true? Is there really such a tower?" Alex's eyes lost their dreamy expression and they searched Elazul's face eagerly.
    "Yes."
    "Then it must really have happened!" Engrossed with this exciting discovery, Alex attempted to rise to his feet, but his sore and exhausted muscles couldn't take the strain and he immediately collapsed. He lay back with a long sigh, and smiled at Elazul roguishly. "Serves me right, I suppose. But I think, Elazul, that my father might really have journeyed there. Perhaps he told me the story when I was very, very young, and then the story came into my dreams. The part about the angel, though," he added as an afterthought, "really WAS a dream. It must have been because of something that..." But he left the sentence incomplete and his voice trailed off.
    "I can't say that I'm surprised," Elazul commented. He did not pay any particular attention to Alex when he rambled on in such a manner, although he considered it both interesting and strange; but on that hot hour of spring he admired his fortitude. Especially, he thought, when I know that Alex is-
    Alex now paused in the act of practicing a new technique Elazul had lately taught him and said, "What is it?"
    "Would you like to leave the city and journey with me?" Elazul asked.
    This appeared to give Alex a pause. After a short silence, which might have indicated hesitation, he said, "But I have only arrived a short while ago. I have yet to be knighted."
    "I'll get you knighted within a month," said Elazul. "It will require an application to Rubens, and a test. It's a difficult test, and the council of knights supervise it very strictly, but you'll pass it well enough."
    "Will Black Pearl test me?" asked Alex.
    Elazul was slightly surprised at this question. "No, why should she? She has enough to do without a private supervision of every new knight."
    "I am rather curious to see Black Pearl, she who is so famed for her beauty," Alex said with a mischievous smile. "They say that she is over a thousand years old, the oldest Jumi in the city, but she doesn't appear so. I am curious to see this extraordinary woman with my own eyes."
    "So they say, but I've never seen her myself," said Elazul shortly. He was not particularly interested in Black Pearl.
    "Also-" Alex paused for a moment, but then he said quickly, "I wish to participate in the contest for Lady Florina's guardianship. Do you think I could do it?" For Lady Black Pearl has lately announced of a summer tournament. In mid-summer, she would temporarily relinquish her rights to Lady Florina's guardianship and pass it on to the best contender of the younger Jumi knights. It was really more of an opportunity for the young knights to show off their skills, and the duration of Black Pearl's absence would be short. A public contest, testing the skills of all applicants, would be held during the summer festival. The tournament provided food for much talk and speculation in the city, especially concerning Black Pearl's reasons for her temporary leave.
    The question about Florina's guardianship caused Elazul to glance at Alex with a curious expression. "You're ambitious. Yes, you might be able to do it. But it'll take some more practice."
    Alex swung the sword aimlessly. "They say Florina is dying," he remarked.
    "She is, "Elazul replied briefly, his gaze maintained on Alex's sword hand. "And if you keep handling the sword this way, you won't be able to pass the first round of the contest."
    Alex gave a small laugh, but then halted in his practice for a moment, directing a full gaze of inquiry at Elazul and speaking in an unusually grave tone. "But if her core is falling apart, why don't they replace her?"
    "Because-" this was a sore subject for Elazul, a truth that, ever since he understood it, he preferred not to think about, but to run away from- "because she is the only one of sufficient age fit for the position of Clarius. But you must know that."
    "Well, I do," replied Alex somewhat testily. "But still, I did not know she was forced to remain a Clarius until her core fell apart."
    "They have no choice in this matter,” explained Elazul. “All the other Jumi capable of healing tears are at present too young, and those old enough are not of sufficient powers. Florina, like all Clarius, will serve one hundred years."
      "But," Alex persisted, "she still has a long time to go, I understand. Why do they not replace her?"
      Despite his reluctance, Elazul was obliged to continue on this subject. "Because it's the law," he answered shortly. "And if the Clarius Florina dies during her servitude, they will replace her with the one most fit for the task. As of now, however, they do not wish to burden the younger Jumi, and so they leave Florina as Clarius."
    "If Florina is doing it knowingly, then she must be a good person," Alex commented.
    "She must be," Elazul answered. He glanced at Alex and noticed that he appeared preoccupied, and a little angry, and he thought with surprise, he feels the same way about it as I do- and yet he's shocked too. I wonder why. He must have been very young when he left this place.
    "About my question, then, will you come with me only for the spring?" he asked. "We can return in the summer, and you will have sufficient practice during the travels."
    Alex smiled. "Well, all right," he said.
    Elazul examined Alex covertly, and recalled that day, not long ago, when he entered Alex's dwelling in mid-afternoon unbidden, and he noticed, among the scattered papers on Alex's desk, a piece of paper upon which the word "Sandra" was inscribed in bold, black letters. The name caught his attention at once, for it reminded him of something that happened some years ago. He approached and pulled it out. He felt no qualm about this. Alex's secretive character justified his caution, and the coincidence of the name was, to him, a questionable one.
    The letter was written in a code language, but Elazul's years in the outside world has taught him many things, and it took him little time to decode the missive. It was very short, and went thus:
    "My dearest Sandra,
    "As always, my men are at your service. And although your handsome Jumi knight is back in the city, I hope your fascination with his blue eyes isn't serious- you know that you are much better off marrying me.
    "Your devoted A.R.”
    Elazul lay the missive down quietly, carefully fitting it into its former place. There was a curious expression on his face, but he did not indicate to Alex that he had found it by the slightest change of manner; although he seemed more thoughtful, querying, on his guard when Alex didn't seem to pay attention.
    He knew that there was a mystery to solve here; but he had yet to figure out what, and why.
    And as he walked down the glittering pavement studded with glowing gems that night, Elazul thought to himself, so what do you seek here, Alex, you who managed to escape, like me- but came back- and how do you see this city, this dark and bright place that imprisons its own people? What do you think of it now that you came back with your new eyes that have seen the wide, dangerous, vigorous world, do you see it like me, do you think of it as a glowing, beautiful, sparkling city of ruin?

Chapter 2: The Black Pearl

    A tall man with dark red hair stood at the door of the huge, decked hall that contained the throne of the Clarius, as if he was, for a moment, deliberating upon the decision to enter. The dais was empty, but he could see the back of Lady Diana as she addressed the people seated around a small marble table placed on the side of the dais with a soft, low voice. He glimpsed her white, delicate profile as she turned to one of the councilors and smiled graciously- to the entire world except a few, Diana was the very picture of delicate grace. She had not the striking, regal beauty of the Lady Black Pearl, but her fair, ethereal loveliness, all painted delicately in soft browns and silvers and creams and snowy-white, made her a figure nearly as memorable. She additionally decked herself elegantly, her luxurious dresses of silk and lace woven in tasteful, exquisite designs. Her whole appearance conveyed the impression that she was a statue carved in pure ivory brought to life. Only he and a few others- Black Pearl and Florina- discerned the hardness of the core fixed within this dainty faerie-like woman, fathomed what lay beyond that charming appearance. Rubens was aware that she was hard and unyielding within, and still he could not help but loving her, he knew not why- because of her beauty, because of her intelligence, because she possessed the willpower and resolution that he himself lacked. Sometimes he wondered whether she truly deserved to be loved, but at other times he glimpsed her weak, frail side, the emotions she kept hidden from others, the uncertainty and pain and even the self-hatred, and felt himself propelled by pity towards this strange, changeable woman. And he could not help but loving her for both her faults and her perfections- at least, he thought, she was not like Black Pearl, who was relentless beyond reprieve- he stepped into the hall.
    "Diana," he said softly. His voice was rich and low, and although he spoke quietly she heard him at once and turned quickly. Her face was illuminated with a loving smile for her highest-ranking councilor. Rubens, a Jumi knight of an ancient and well-respected Jumi lineage, was chosen by Black Pearl for this position many years ago, and he never failed to fulfill his tasks to perfection. He became Diana's knight, she his guardian, and although they never married their love was apparent to everyone who knew them. He was the weak spot in Diana's armor and could soften her with his gentleness and patience where others only hardened her resolve. And yet she used him, as she used everyone else for her policies, and he knew it well. He sometimes reflected with amazement that never contained bitterness at how she manipulated him as she did everyone- how for the most part she managed to completely separate her personal emotions from the business of governing the city. Perhaps this is how she maintained her elevated position for so many years, that cold-hearted practicality prevailing over the troubles and doubts that plagued everyone else. She and Black Pearl are a frighteningly fitting pair, thought Rubens.
    To Diana he said, "I can see that Florina is not here. Is she unwell again?"
    A delicate frown marred Diana's features. "Yes. She seems so pale lately, the poor child. But a little rest will restore her to full health, I'm sure."
    Rubens made no response for a moment. Diana did not wish to hear the obvious fact, that Florina's attacks of fatigue increased lately, and that they were going to lose another Clarius within a few years. Several Clarius died during Rubens' own life; and it was a necessary evil that the Clarius spent their healing tears on all other Jumi until their cores eventually fell apart. Unfortunately, Florina had always been exceptionally delicate, and but for her powerful tears she would not have been selected at all for the position.
    "I think that she should be resting more," was his only reply. He said it many times with the previous Clarius, and always either got lectured by Diana upon the necessity of the Clarius's tears to the health of the Jumi, or lightly ignored. He knew that Diana's lectures were not truly meant to reproach him as much as to provide an audible excuses for herself, to quiet and unburden her own conscience. So he never responded to them, but listened to her patiently, all the while thinking, if I do not watch the Jumi Clarius die, I will watch many other Jumi die, and then I...
    "Rubens." Diana's clear, melodious voice recalled him to the presence. She bestowed her gentle smile upon him, and he perceived that she decided to ignore him this time. "Florina will feel better soon, I am sure."
    Rubens became aware that the other Jumi were watching them and he merely nodded, knowing that once again he submitted to his weakness, that he couldn't voice his real thoughts, that he was defeated by his own lack of willpower. He then realized, as always, that perhaps he, too, hated himself as much as Diana sometimes hated herself, and he turned towards the door after uttering a non-committed answer, excusing himself from attending the present meeting.

    And he thought, I am doing nothing to prevent it, although her father was my mentor, and the wisest Jumi I have known; and now I am letting his daughter to be drained of her life's blood until she is a mere ghost, I am letting a slow murder happen yet again, I am killing Florina as surely as if I thrust the finishing blow with my own hands.

    Summer enveloped the world, the hot sun beating upon bent heads and dry throats. Elazul, wrapped in the sand-green cape bestowed upon him by a wandering knight from the desert to whom he rendered a service, was thankful for its lightness. The summer days were hot and long and harsh, but he exulted in them, reveled in the sunlight that scorched the earth and the sweltering atmosphere that rippled with waves of invisible fire.
      Three months passed since Elazul and Alex left the city, and midsummer quickly approached, signaling the end of their brief freedom. Their exit was allowed, but the shield guards watched their departure in dour silence. Alex's desertion did not surprise anyone, for he was still something of a stranger; but Elazul's considerable skills raised hopes that he will settle down and contribute to the Jumi society after his first failed venture into the world.
      When she was reported the young Lapis Lazuli's second desertion, Black Pearl's only remark was, "Let him go. If his skills are as good as rumored, he will manage to come back. But we have no use for erratic Jumi." She ignored the mention of Alex completely.
    Elazul knew that he would return eventually, at least to witness Alex's attempt to become Florina's knight; but this brief respite was a balm for his restless spirit, and he savored his present freedom. He knew not for what he searched, only that it somehow always seemed at a distance, out of reach, a beacon in the darkness. He recalled the shrine and the young nun with her cool, quiet voice and her dark, mocking, intelligent eyes; he recalled the note he found; and he thought of Alex.
    Elazul felt that he came no closer to understanding Alex during their travels. Superficially, Alex was an open book; merry, sharp-tongued, cool-headed, with a never-failing sense of humor. But Elazul knew that this was a misleading mask, or rather, an incomplete one. It was Alex, but not the whole of Alex. He doubted not that the apparent mask was an essential part of Alex's personality, but he also recognized that it only represented its easily-accessible facet. A strange streak ran beneath the surface that Elazul sometimes glimpsed, making him uneasy. He sensed that Alex possessed qualities alien to his own nature; and this alien aspect of Alex was as dark and as inaccessible as his dark jewel, the jewel which shone a clear green in the sunlight but became dim and dark at night, refusing to emit the clear glow normal to a Jumi core.
    A hot, beautiful twilight hour, barely one week before they returned to the Jumi city, afforded Elazul a clearer glimpse of that dissonant aberration in Alex's personality.
    Alex and Elazul had been traveling, and spied a nearby village lying dark and snug on the red horizon towards which they directed their steps. The skies were seeped with a warm crimson glow, and the dormant countryside was completely silent, for the workers left the fields some time ago. But as they passed near a thick cluster of trees growing off the side of the road, Alex suddenly halted and swerved sharply. Elazul paused, an instinctive reaction, and was about to ask Alex why he stopped, but Alex silenced him with a quick gesture and stood motionless, his bright eyes questing within the gloom of the thicket.
    The two youthful warriors heard it now- a quiet groan, a pained mutter upon which they quickly oriented. Alex immediately slipped through the bushes into the thicket, seeking out the sound within the darkness lurking beneath the trees. Elazul followed, but he fell a little behind, and when he finally caught up with Alex he saw him hovering over a white figure lying on the ground.
    It was a young girl, sprawling in a pool of blood that sent long trails trickling across the dark earth. Her pale clothes were torn, and a sharp object, perhaps a sword, had slashed her exposed stomach. With shock and dismay, Elazul could now discern that both of her arms had been cut off just above the elbows, and her face was washed with the dripping blood generated by a deep wound on her forehead. Her long yellow hair, loosened from a dark ribbon, was drenched in the sickly red of the bloody pool, and floated on it like colorless seaweed.
    Elazul had witnessed difficult sights during his travels, but the heartless, cruel mutilation of this young girl was almost too ghastly to bear. But the most horrible aspect of it was that the girl was still alive. Her eyelids fluttered as she sensed the men leaning towards her, and she fixed a blank, tortured gaze upon them.
    She was young; too young; a fourteen-years-old human girl, perhaps. "She was ravished and left to die," Alex said softly. "Her wounds are very grave." Elazul could not reply; he merely nodded in response, feeling numb and sick with horror. The gloom of the trees closed upon them oppressively, and he could smell the scent of decay that surrounded the ravaged body of the girl.
    A soft sound escaped the girl's throat, and Elazul edged closer, his immediate instinct to provide support and protection prevailing over his consternation. She was attempting to speak; Alex, who was standing nearest, leant towards her to catch the words. Her pale, bloodied face appeared to float in the darkness, and her mouth opened mutely. But she closed her eyes again after a moment, and Alex stooped, laying his fingers on her heart, catching the fluttering, unsteady beat.
    "She might live half an hour, no more," he muttered, his eyes dark with anger. Then he rose to his feet and drew his sword. Before Elazul could stop him he drove the slender blade into the girl's heart with a quick, apt motion. She uttered a sharp cry of pain and her quivering body became still. Just as abruptly Alex wrenched the blade free and knelt in the clearing. He wiped the blood from the silvery edge on the mildew fringing the moist earth.
    Elazul had been too stunned to utter a protest; and when Alex rose to his feet and turned around, he found the Lapis Lazuli knight standing opposite with glittering, furious eyes. Quickly and silently, hands as strong as steel closed on Alex's arm, and he was dragged away from that terrible clearing, away from the pool of blood, from the livid corpse of the shattered child. He made no attempt to resist but followed Elazul with stumbling steps. Finally, when both stood behind a cluster of trees that hid the sight of the mutilated body, Elazul hurled Alex onto the ground with a vicious gesture and stood with his chest heaving, his words choked by shock and anger.
    Alex made no protest to this treatment. He rose to his feet slowly and silently, his fingers sliding across the fabric of his clothes, clearing away the dust and dirt. Elazul's voice, trembling with repressed emotions, grated in his ears. "Why? Why did you do it, WHY? We could have saved her!"
    Alex glanced up at Elazul, his eyes impassive and dark, barring light. "No," he replied. "We couldn't."
    "I could have called a doctor! I could have-" The words died on Elazul's lips, and he was unable to utter any more. He was shaking with rage, and felt estranged by Alex's calm gaze, knew himself to be shut off from something that he could not understand. And he felt both furious at and apprehensive of the Alex that was standing before him now, who killed this girl quickly, resolutely, without explanation or warning. His hand instinctively went to the hilt of his sword, the fingers curling tightly around it, as if he sought a distraction in the physical pain the sharp metal provided, a distraction for his mind from the events that passed in the last few minutes.
    Alex immediately noticed Elazul's gesture, and his eyes darted towards Elazul's sword-hand as he spoke; but his countenance remained composed, and although he watched Elazul's hand closely, he displayed no indication of fear. "No," he replied steadily, with the same level tone that was to Elazul so horrifyingly reasonable, so repellently rational. "A doctor could not have done much for her either." Despite Elazul's previous, rough treatment his trained arm maintained a grip on his sword throughout, and he now poised it in a particular way that Elazul recognized as defensive. For some reason, this angered him further.

    "And who-" he said with a cold voice, taking a step towards Alex, who instinctively fell back- not a muscle moved in his face, but his body became tense, ready for battle- "who made you, all of a sudden, an expert in these decisions?"
    For one moment, it seemed like Alex has finally lost his tongue. Then he said quickly, "I- I- I learned it from a nun."
    The reply was like a splash of icy water to Elazul's temper. He was checked in his tracks, his face becoming an immobile mask, revealing nothing, his eyes searching Alex's face, probing intently as Alex continued, the words slipping off his tongue with stumbling haste: "When I- she saved me from death, and I stayed in the shrine for a long time and learned about medical lore. I've seen many people near death, and I know that this girl was beyond recovery." And Elazul could not reply, because he now recalled... and he did not know what exactly to say, but thought furiously, no, don't say that, and how, HOW could you do it like that- he felt a constricted ache choking him, and could only say breathlessly, "She did not have to die."
    "She had to die." Alex's gaze was defiant, his eyes were that dark, lightless pool once more, and his voice had that repellent, logical tone again, the tone Elazul knew that he could never understand, the unavoidable tone of fate, of finality, of inevitability, the cold voice of death. "She was in too much pain, and killing her saved her another half-hour of lingering agony. And left in this condition, I would have wanted to die- if I was-" But then he suddenly paused.
    But Elazul knew what he wished to say, and the words were forced out of him, spelled out with difficulty, the words that his upbringing infused into his blood, drop by drop. "The Jumi- the Jumi are- we are- we are healers- we do not kill. You have no right to take the life of another, even if-"
    "The Jumi, preservers of life- the Jumi, healers?" Alex's tone was hard, mocking, sardonic. "Don't tell me that you are this willfully blind, Elazul. The Jumi who force Lady Florina to weep tears for them until her core breaks apart? And you, Elazul the wanderer, Jumi of Lapis Lazuli- how many men have you killed on your travels?"
    Elazul was assailed with blind wrath at these words; without a warning, he leapt towards Alex. Alex thought that he was prepared, but Elazul's trained fingers, shooting out with a lightening speed accelerated by his body's movement, locked around Alex's wrist and twisted it with brutal efficiency, forcing it to loosen its hold on the hilt of the sword. After a few seconds of struggle, in which Alex attempted to unlock Elazul's grip unsuccessfully, the blade cluttered to the ground. Elazul twisted Alex's arm behind his back and Alex found himself forcefully doubled over, Elazul leaning over him, one arm locked over his neck tightly enough to stop his breath.
    "I could kill you now," Elazul said harshly.
    Alex made no reply but remained leaning forward in his forced position, breathing quickly and with pain.
    "Would you like to die?" Elazul's tone was acerbic.
    Alex replied, panting. "Not exactly- the same way- that she did.”
    For some reason, this answer suddenly eased Elazul's locked anger. His countenance relaxed, and flooded with red. He released Alex so quickly that Alex lost his balance and fell to his knees; then Elazul turned toward the bushes, leant over them and retched.
    Alex rose to his feet, making no remark. Elazul sunk to one knee. He sat on the ground with a lowered head, his fingers pressed against the earth. "Damn you, damn you," he muttered.
    Behind him he could hear the metallic sound of Alex's blade slipping back into its sheath, his voice speaking quietly. "We must report her to the village. We can't leave her body lying here. I can only hope that we avoid suspicion ourselves."
    But Elazul did not care about this particular aspect of the business, and he made no reply. What are you truly looking for, Alex, he thought to himself, sensing the presence of the young Jumi at his back like a torch that burned with a dark, sinister fire. Who are you, what are you, where did you come from?

    Alex passed the test of knighthood upon their return to the city, and with such ease that it left a distinctly favorable impression upon Rubens and the Jumi council; and he passed it just in time for the summer contest. His skills honed during the travels, and although he could not defeat Elazul, he anticipated putting up a decent fight in the tournament. Elazul himself did not mean to compete, but the incident that occurred left a coolness between them. Alex accepted this new situation with resigned calmness; and, although Elazul would not admit it, this apparent indifference made him feel disappointed and dissatisfied. He swallowed this emotion, however, and the new situation between them continued- and then, when the contest was held two weeks later, Alex discovered that Elazul joined the competition.
    He was a little surprised, but not entirely displeased; feeling, indeed, that the gesture was made to compliment him especially. His new rivalry with Elazul did not disturb him in the least; he was actually rather amused by it. He reasoned that provoking a response of any kind was at least better than being ignored, and looked forward to the contest.
      One benefit flowed from the contest: Alex became aware of the population count of the Jumi. Practically all the Jumi population except the very young or very old assembled in the appointed contest arena, and Alex, his gaze sweeping over hundreds of faces, thought with surprise and a strange pang, I did not know that the Jumi population was so small- this city was fashioned to comfortably accommodate tens of thousands of people, and here we have less than two thousand.
    Elazul arrived late, and Alex had barely time to glimpse him before he was hurried into the dressing room to clothe himself in the appropriate uniform. Upon emergence from the dressing room the contestants were filed into a neat row and marched down the back isle and into the arena, for the opening ceremonies. The number of newly-integrated or young Jumi knights participating in the contest was about thirty, narrowed down by Rubens and the council from the original one hundred or so. Alex, chafing in his red and white armor, was sternly told to stand still. He discovered Elazul just a few steps away from him and tried to catch his eye, but Elazul ignored him resolutely.
    The young knights stood straight and still, facing the platform from which the council members presided. First and foremost among them was the Lady Black Pearl herself, who was the primary judge of the contest. Alex, strongly curious to see her, craned his neck and watched attentively as she was announced.
    Black Pearl emerged, and Alex observed her eagerly. He beheld a tall woman, upright and slender; and although Alex knew that she did not show her age he could not help but being somewhat stunned to see how young she appeared, for she looked twenty-seven at most. The passage of time that eventually affects all Jumi seemed to have disregarded Black Pearl completely; no wonder, he thought, that they say her core contains dark and mysterious magic, some strange witchery that keeps her looking young.
    Black Pearl's hair was a woven dark gold, from which the sunlight occasionally drew a rich glimmer that ran across the heavy, coiled tresses like a silent, secret fire, resplendent in the afternoon heat. Her clothes were the color of pearly cream, dim gold and dark silver, with the exception of voluminous scarf encircling her waist and hanging down to the back of her knees, dyed with a red so intense that it gave the impression that it has been drenched in blood. Her eyes were very dark, and her face was white and extraordinarily beautiful. Alex, who was usually hard-pressed to be impressed by anything, thought that he had never seen a lovelier woman; and upon this thought he turned his eyes towards Elazul again.
    The dark-haired knight was straight and still, his gaze fixed on the regal woman standing just above him, an expression on his face that Alex had never seen before, and which made him suddenly wary, alert. Elazul's face was drained of blood, he was as white as wax; but the following moment a dark crimson flood mounted into his cheeks. The fingers that gripped the hilt of his sword trembled, and he clenched them again with a furious effort to keep them still, although the movement was unconscious, for he seemed to be oblivious, for a moment, of his surroundings.
    The next moment Black Pearl spoke. Alex did not hear what she said exactly, but all the young knights dropped to their knees in front of the pedestal, and he followed their cue. His eyes rested for a moment on the earth at his feet, but he couldn't help stealing a glance at Elazul's face, trying to determine his expression. He could see his profile; Elazul's head was hung low, his eyes fixed on the ground, a distracted, far-off aspect to them. He appeared not to hear anything of the oratory carried above their heads, and the words floated above Alex's head as well, for he could barely catch their meaning. His brain was working quickly, furiously, mulling over with thoughts.
    It can't be- not him! Elazul, to behave this way? To fall in love just like that! The first moment that he saw her!
    His cynicism quickly returning, he thought, if love it is indeed.
    The oration ended, and Alex rose to his feet in unison with the rest of the knights. Black Pearl now commenced an address to the solemn Jumi warriors. She performed her speech in measured, clipped accents, and her words came straight to the point; she did not waste her time with superfluous expressions. She had a good voice, melodious and clear, and deeper than of most women; but the harsh undercurrents of a precise, relentless mind lent them a cold edge. Alex decided that he did not like her.
    His eyes continued beyond her to the seats just above the platform. Lady Florina sat in one of them, swathed in blue silk. She was small and fragile-looking, and, as far as he could tell, not at all pretty. On the contrary, and especially when compared to Black Pearl's majestic, sphinx-like beauty, she appeared small and ordinary and thin, with hair that, however nicely arranged and tied, was a nondescript brown, straight and plain. Her features, too, were insignificant, with a not-quite-straight although delicate nose, and a small, pale mouth. Her frail, plain appearance was enhanced by the pallor of her skin. Her eyes were of a medium size, and, from that distance appeared an undetermined gray color. But there was something in her expression, a hint of a smile lurking at the corner of her mouth, a twinkle in her eye, that made Alex pay closer attention to her.
    His fixed gaze must have drawn her attention, because suddenly their eyes met and she looked straight at him and rewarded him with a sweet, engaging smile, as if she was sharing a joke between them.
    The corners of his mouth twitched, but no further look was exchanged between them as he rose to his feet, for the contest was finally announced.

     Despite his youth and status of a relatively new knight, Alex defeated his first contestant easily, and ascended to the second round. His ascent to the third proved a little more difficult, but he eventually won against his opponents after a long and weary combat, his agility coming into good stead in the battle.
    During his rest periods he watched Elazul's rounds, and it seemed to him that the Lapis Lazuli's distracted mood lingered. But Elazul was well-trained and strong, and even so, he defeated his opponents quickly enough. A strong wish to defeat Elazul throbbed within Alex; he had yet to pit himself against him in this contest, but he clearly recalled how Elazul won by virtue of quickness combined with strength during their unfortunate clash, and he was resolute to keep on his guard this time. No, he was determined on a goal further-reaching than this- he was determined to defeat Elazul this time, and to become Florina's knight.
    The semi-final round was announced, and Elazul, one of the four remaining knights, stepped up against his present challenger.
    Alex immediately noticed that something was wrong. Elazul was not putting as much energy into this fight as he should have been. Eyes narrowed, he watched in astonishment as Elazul's performance in battle became poorer and poorer- he couldn't help but glancing up and covertly examining Black Pearl's countenance. She was watching with a neutral expression, but a thin line marred her brow, as if she was vaguely displeased. And Alex wondered, what was Elazul about? Can he mean to lose, and why? He will not gain favor in the eyes of Black Pearl this way for sure.
    And then, suddenly, the round was over- and Elazul was declared the loser.
    Alex shot a keen, challenging look at Elazul as they passed each other near the gate; the Lapis Lazuli knight must have noticed his criticizing gaze, because one of his sudden, engaging smiles appeared, the first Alex has seen from him in many days; but he said nothing and simply continued towards the gate.
    Somehow, this unexpected turn of events increased Alex's determination to win.

    Sitting on the comfortable throne with its golden pillows, Florina watched the contest vigilantly. The youthful knight with those green, smiling eyes captured her attention early during the ceremony. She was a little surprised perhaps at his success, for she judged him to be inexperienced and youthful, but she was pleased at his unexpected skill; and the longer he survived the increasingly difficult rounds, the more interested she became in the outcome. But she still had no high hopes for him; she always thought that the blue-eyed knight of Lapis Lazuli, the famous one, and the one that captured Black Pearl's attention, might win the contest. The outcome of that semi-final round startled her considerably.
    She glanced at Black Pearl, and she could instantly sense her displeasure. Black Pearl was always questing for potential men for the royal guard. Such a display of weakness on the part of the Lapis Lazuli knight crossed him off the list for certain, and this after she had been so sure of his skills, looking forward to test them because of the favorable rumors. Black Pearl did not like to be wrong, and she intensely disliked a poor performance. Her lips were compressed into a thin line, her dark eyes frowned; but the shadow passed quickly, leaving the same cool snowy beauty intact, the beauty that Florina so admired and secretly envied. Why can I not be strong like Black Pearl, she thought to herself; yes- even if her way of life, and of all the Jumi is wrong, she is still strong, she possesses the power and will to change things, as I do not. Instead, I submit to my fate, weak and powerless- I cannot follow my heart, my preferences, not since my dear father died.
    Yes, I am weak, thought Florina; but that green-eyed knight is not- I can tell that he is no feeble, vacillating being- perhaps he would be fit to be my knight. And thus, when the final round wore on, and Alex prevailed over his opponent after a lengthy, lingering, tiring battle, even Florina rose up higher on her seat- her fatigue could not deter her; she straightened and watched the fight attentively through, and when the victor was announced she clapped her hands and smiled with delight. Alex, bowing, received the laurel of victory from the Lady Black Pearl; and then he approached close and knelt in front of Florina.
    "Lady," he said. "I shall do my best to serve you."
    And Florina answered his strange, quirky smile, and thought to herself- he is so unusual- I sense it; he will not be with me long, only until Black Pearl returns; but I think that I will like having him as my knight.

    Elazul was not surprised to hear about Alex's victory. But he did not go to offer him congratulations, either. He came to the private feast offered to the contesting knight in the royal palace, but wandered about the golden hall, away from the crowd of high Jumi noblemen and richly dressed Jumi ladies, seeking the dark corners, escaping the blazing aura of the sparkling chandeliers. He could see Alex seated with Lady Florina on the other side of the room, both conversing with the ease of long-time friends; and then he walked quietly towards the tempting, soothing darkness of the outer balcony.
    As he stood in the darkness, looking up into the cool night, a great longing to escape rose within him. Escape into the great world, he thought; this time without Alex- I have been many years on my own, after all; this time I will manage better, use my experience. I have nothing to do here; Alex will be with Florina, and I have failed the contest- deliberately failed, for I cannot be entrenched within a guardianship; I need my freedom. And yet, Black Pearl, she-
    He paused. Even the thought made him feel light-headed; and he breathed the chilled air quickly, thinking, I need to get away from here before it's too late.
    A deep, steady woman's voice interrupted his thoughts. "Lapis Lazuli knight."
    Elazul felt a shock, a verve running through him at this sound, and turned abruptly. As if conjured from a vision, Black Pearl emerged from the golden light and stood framed by the arched doorway, her form appearing a dark by contrast, her pale clothes becoming gray, pearly shadows. She advanced towards him and Elazul averted his gaze, fastening it on the marble floor before him. "Lady Pearl," he said formally, but his voice nearly betrayed him, and his tones faltered.
    She approached the balcony's railing and stood at his side, her fingers resting on them lightly. She looked into the night. The balcony stood at a steep elevation point above the lights of the city, and here, high above the glittering sparkle of gems that constantly challenged the darkness, the night could finally flow clearly, and the stars did not seem as faded.
    "Lapis Lazuli knight," she said, her melodious, clear voice accentuating Elazul's title formally. "Your name, I think, is Elazul." She did not wait for him to confirm this, but continued succinctly.  "I have heard many reports of your skill, and I must confess that I was disappointed by your performance at first."
    She became silent, and Elazul, feeling that she expected an answer, said quietly, "Then I must apologize, Lady."
    "I do not wish for an apology," she said, sharply now, without looking at him; her eyes still gazed into the dark night, sought the faint light of the stars.
    "And I do not wish for a pardon," Elazul replied, his quick temper immediately flaring at her icy tones. He did not regret the words even as they slipped off his tongue, but immediately realized how their very different tempers clashed and thought, you still do not know her after all- and it's not like you to tumble into a situation as quickly as this- and yet-
    She glanced at him, as if his sharp reply drew her attention. He expected her to respond, but all she said was, "I wish to see your true performance. You did excellently at first, I must own; and I could detect unusual skills demonstrated by your techniques. But then you suddenly altered; and I think that I know the reason."
    Elazul said nothing, and kept his gaze fixed on the ground stubbornly. He wondered again how she could look so young, and yet be the oldest Jumi in existence; a thousand years old, he thought, his head spinning at the realization that this was almost twice the age of the average Jumi. And then he reasoned, it's only rumors, it can't be, unless her core really does contain unusual magic. His hand was trembling again, but he clenched it into a determined fist. I shall not let her influence me this way, he thought with a tinge of resentment, his mind rebelling against his body.
    "The reason," said Black Pearl, after waiting for a moment for a reply but not receiving one; "is that you do not wish for a guardian."
    Elazul was silent, betraying none of the surprise that he felt at her astute remark. He had known her to be intelligent, and this was merely proof of her power of discernment.
    "I know about your spirit of independence- unusual, I would call it," Black Pearl continued, her cool, measured voice cutting clearly through the crisp silence. "And although you've been a knight for many years, you did not apply for a guardian." Her voice now became harsh, slicing at the young knight like an edge of a broken glass, seeking to draw blood. "I disapprove of this kind of behavior; it is hard-headed and immature. And yet, although you have disappointed me- and I do not like to be disappointed-I shall give you one more chance. We need more skilled people for the guard; if you so wish, I shall engage you. It is an honored position, and you shall acquire the privilege of dwelling in the highest level of the city."
    Elazul flushed hotly at her rebuke; his first impulse was to refuse, for, he thought angrily, there was nothing more than he wished than to leave her and this city of hers, that she has imprisoned under her shell of magic; and now that Alex has finally established his position here and forsook him, he felt that he had nothing left to do here, nothing left to attach him to this place. And yet, as he looked up, and watched the turn of her white, beautiful countenance, he knew that he desired her- and it was a feeling that he could not understand, because, at the same time, he was also repelled by her- by the knowledge that the beautiful white face masked a cold, black heart. And this is why I must leave, he thought frantically, clenching his fists.
    After a prolonged pause in which he could sense her silent expectancy he attempted to answer her calmly, and heard himself saying, "Do as you will with me, Lady- now, if you please excuse me-"

    He turned around and left without waiting for an answer. And as he walked through the golden hall, he thought to himself, and still- I cannot explain why- her mask could be broken through- there was something strange that I sensed glowing from within that black core of pearl- or perhaps it was just my own response to it, my own self-deceiving desire?

Esmeralda's name change into “Emeralda” is deliberate; I thought it would be fitting, as she is the Jumi of the Emerald.

"The Silence of Time" is the name of the song that occurs when you fight the Mana Tree.

Chapter 3: The Silence of Time

    The green-eyed young girl leant over a large, heavy tome that lay open upon the huge mahogany desk before her, her fingers reverently tracing the decorated edges of the gold-laced paper, whose color of old ivory only added to its beauty and testified to its great age. She was an ardent lover of books, and she worshiped the beauty of the antiquated volume. And she reflected upon the great fortune of her birth that allowed her the privilege, retained by few Jumi, of ready access to the great Jumi library in the royal palace. For she was of a noble family of an ancient Jumi lineage, and she and her three elder sisters were first cousins to the Lady Diana herself.
    The Clarius Florina sat at her side, absorbed in her own volume, the thin-rimmed spectacles she used for reading sliding down her small nose. The young girl reflected that she was a sight at once touching and comical. Touching, for the wide-sleeved blue silk dress enwrapping Florina's body could not conceal its piteously thinness; comical, because the unusual sight of the spectacles was strange to the Jumi girl, who had never seen such a device in her life. She watched her covertly, but her sense of the droll vision represented by Florina was diffused through a heartfelt respect and reverence for the Clarius, that kind and intelligent young woman who was the great scholar's daughter. She admired Florina's intelligence and envied her scholastic knowledge; and she earnestly wished that she could become as wise and as learned. Noticing Florina's preoccupation with the tome before her, she suddenly addressed her:
    "Florina, did you find anything in that volume?"
    Florina's attention was diverted for a moment. She turned towards her companion and her beautiful smile appeared, the smile that offset her pale features with a unique attraction all their own. "Nothing concrete, if this is what you were hoping for."
    "Oh." The young girl could not conceal the disappointment in her voice. Her hand swept the short, feathery strands of her green hair- for she was a Jumi of emerald- back from her face. "You were so absorbed in reading that I thought that you found something."
    Florina's gray eyes glimmered with amusement at the girl's dissatisfied aspect. It was so like Emeralda's earnest character to thirst impatiently for the truth to reveal itself, to demand immediate results. "Patience," she said with her gentle voice. "If you wish to be a scholar, Emeralda, you should learn to cultivate the quality of painstaking patience. It does not take a week, or a month, or perhaps not even many years to fully conduct a research, or to arrive at results. My father devoted a lifetime to researching Jumi history, and years to studying this particular material. He discovered many clues, but a few crucial pieces are still missing from the puzzle, and these are the pieces that I mean to uncover and place at their proper location. But I mean to be patient."
      "I'll keep it in mind," Emeralda replied; and although her tone was reserved, it did not indicate any resentment. Emeralda's thoroughly practical nature, mature for her years, enabled her to placidly concede to criticism that she considered constructive. She leant back in her chair, her fingers running across the golden lacing of her shirt sleeve, and her voice was speculative.

    "Tell me something, Florina,” she said. “Do you personally believe in the legend of the angel? Do you truly think that an angel taught to the Jumi the power of their healing tears?"
    Florina corrected her sliding spectacles with a soft motion, her eyes smiling at Emeralda through the obscuring, reflective lens. "It's a three-thousand years old legend, Emeralda. There is definite evidence that it was based on real facts; whether the facts reflect the details of the legend with one-hundred percent accuracy, I do not know."
    "True," Emeralda responded, reflecting. "For example, the legend says that the angel had 'hair as bright as the sun, and eyes like the sea at summer'. But old legends always describe beings of supernatural beauty this way, with bright hair and blue eyes. However, my question was directed at a different issue. You see," and her tone now contained a great deal of censure, "I personally think that no truth can be declared as such unless we ARE a hundred percent sure of it. And as such, it's silly to believe in an old legend whose facts have yet to be ascertained." She observed the Clarius, and a glint of humor stole into her eyes. "Your glasses slid down again, Florina."
    Florina pushed the spectacles up her nose again with a resigned smile. Alex managed to procure them for her from the outside world after he discovered that Florina had difficulty reading words from a close proximity. The size of their frame was unfortunately not quite correct for Florina, and this produced a continual struggle against their tendency to slide down. Florina accepted this with her usual good-humor; for she did not mind laughing at the ridiculous, even when she knew that the object of ridicule was herself.
    "True," she responded to Emeralda's stern lecture, her eyes twinkling. "For example, it is an absolute nonsense to declare all beings of supernatural beauty as having golden hair and eyes as blue as the sea, unless they are one-hundred percent proven to be so." She regarded the young girl with an expression of indulgent amusement. "You have a scientist's mind, Emeralda."
      "I just think that it's too optimistic," Emeralda explained. "Everyone knows the legend of the angel who will come back to heal the entire Jumi race, but it's a mere children's tale now, a fable, and I don't think that anyone believes it anymore."
    "This is the purpose of the research," answered Florina, passing her white fingers over her brown hair. "I am trying to find the clues about the exact location of the temple in which the angel was said to first appear."
    "But," Emeralda persisted, with systematic efficiency that justified Florina's remark about her scientist's nature, and which was born out of a limitless curiosity and a strong wish to arrive at accurate truths; "even if the temple does exist, what could it mean? To prove that the angel existed-

and still exists- much more than this has to be uncovered."
    "Enough of that tiresome crossfire, Emeralda," a voice ordered briskly from behind the two women. Florina's lips quirked at this brutal termination of Emeralda's insistent query. She turned in her seat slightly and watched the shadowed recesses of the library. "I can see that you have been listening to our conversation all the while, Alex. Did you find anything interesting?"
    Alex accompanied the two young women to the library, and had been walking around the hall and rummaging the bookshelves with what appeared to Florina as a curious purposefulness. He participated in the study for over two weeks now, plunging into it with an amount of energy that slightly surprised her. He now came over, a slim volume in his hand. "I'm not sure whether this might be of help. You'll need to tell me."
    Emeralda bristled at Alex's authoritative tone, her green eyes flashing. She did not mind criticism from Florina, whom she admired since she was a child; but Alex, with that aggravatingly autocratic manner of his, was another matter entirely. "Since you are so very interested in the research, Alex, I daresay that you could think of a better way to contribute to it."
    "I can certainly think of a better way to spend my time than tormenting Florina with tedious questions to which she can't possibly have answers," replied Alex ruthlessly. "And besides," he added with that callous humor which so exasperated Emeralda, "you should know, Emeralda, that there is nothing more repulsive than a cynical child that tells adults that their beliefs are founded on a silly fable."
    Emeralda could not pretend anger despite her chagrin, her sense of humor responding to Alex's satiric tones. "Are you saying that I am repulsive?"
    "You are too logical for you age," answered Alex, selecting a comfortable chair near Florina and insinuating his slim body into it smoothly with one of his cannily quick movements. "It's extremely odious. I used to be exactly like you."
    "Which means," Florina supplied with a half-smile, "that he has changed with age."
    "Precisely. I grew worse. Take it as an adequate warning." Alex leant forwards and opened his volume.
    Emeralda regarded Alex with some resentment. He was a good-looking young man to be sure, rather older than her- for, in Jumi terms, he appeared no more than twenty- with fine features whose sharp, delicate attraction was enhanced by a ready smile, and incredibly handsome green eyes. But she could not quite like his personality, which all-too-closely matched her own logical character. "Very well, then," she said tartly. "I'll certainly heed that warning, as I would do anything rather than grow up to be like you."
    "Unfortunately, you already embarked on a fair way to becoming exactly like me."
    Emeralda gave up on the argument. She was a fair opponent, and could acknowledge a decent enemy. "I only hope your volume will prove useful," she said, choosing to ignore the provoking look Alex stole at her. "Florina, how much information do you think we're missing because of the books the dissenter took?"
    "I'm not sure," replied Florina. "But his theft detracted a good deal from the available resources dealing with the legend. Indeed, it appeared that he was interested in anything that had to do with the angel; particularly in the information regarding the location of the ancient sites the legend pointed to. Some of the volumes he took away may have contained valuable and even vital clues."
    Alex stirred now with a somewhat self-conscious expression at this last remark; but he said nothing, and remained leaning over his volume. His momentary action, however, drew the observant Emeralda's attention. She examined the young Jumi knight's profile silently for a moment or two, and then a deceptively bland expression displaced her inquisitive aspect. "Alex," she began with a deliberate tone- which, to anyone who knew Emeralda long enough, would have supplied a fairly good warning of what was coming- "I have been meaning to ask you something. You said that the southern peninsula, where the temple might be located, takes several weeks to reach."
    Alex, who was acquainted with Emeralda for only two weeks, but for whom this duration had been adequate to fully assess her character, glanced at her with one eyebrow raised speculatively. "And that signifies- what?"
    "Well-" Emeralda's voice retained the same suspiciously docile tone- "I thought that you knew this because you once visited the peninsula."
    "Which I did," Alex agreed with deceptive affability.
    Emeralda's gaze remained mild as she brushed a wayward lock of hair from her cheek again. "I was thinking," she finished, stowing the unruly strand of hair behind her ear and bestowing a mild look on Alex, "that a former thief would surely know something about the location of an ancient temple."
    An amused look from Alex informed Emeralda that he fully appreciated this underhanded conclusion. "I can see that you've been subjecting Florina to one of your inquisitions again." He glanced accusingly at Florina who immediately bent low over her book and pretended to read it, although a guilty laugh trembling at the corner of her mouth provided all the evidence that Alex needed.
    "Well, yes," Emeralda admitted without as much as a blush. "I think that you're an unusual person, and I have no doubt that you have an interesting history."
    "I would be flattered by this remark; except that I can already envision you using exactly the same tone to comment upon a rat that you skinned alive and whose inner anatomy you examined."
    A reluctant smile escaped Emeralda, but she chose to ignore this deliberate provocation. "Do you know about the temple, then?"
    "I already told Florina everything I know," Alex replied. He crossed his arms and leant back in his chair. "I hope this answer satisfied you."
    Emeralda leant forwards now, and Alex could plainly perceive that she was not finished- indeed, to judge by her manner, the best part was coming. "Tell me, Alex," said the girl, an eager gleam in her eye, "have you ever met the famous thief, Reynard the Fox?"
    "The details of my past is not something I would like discuss too deeply," answered Alex coolly.
    Emeralda examined his face silently for a moment, and said decisively, "Don't try to evade my question. I can tell that you know something about the Fox.”
    Alex glanced at Florina's profile, but she shook her head adamantly and refused to look up from the book. "You're a coward, Florina," he said disparagingly.
    "Exactly, my dear," she agreed placidly without looking up from her tome. The young man appeared to resign himself to his fate. He inclined himself forwards, his fingers running across the crisp pages open in front of him, a slight smile on his lips. "The Fox," he said, "was the leader of the bandit group I was in."
    "So I thought," said Emeralda triumphantly, pleased at her clever deduction. "Now please tell me, Alex: the Fox's last name is Reynard- is it not? But what is his first name? It begins with an 'A', but few know it. Do you know it, Alex?"
    "Yes," he answered. "I do know it."
    "Could his first name happen to be-" Emeralda's tone was insidious, "perhaps 'Alex'?"
    "If it was, I would be the last person to tell you," Alex answered with a perfectly calm voice. He kept his absorbed attention on the volume in front of him. Emeralda examined his profile, disappointed at his indifferent manner, and reflected that either her suspicions were wrong or that Alex was a consummate actor, a possibility that she could not easily dismiss. But she gave up on the investigation and settled back in her seat, crossing her arms.
    "I wish that I could travel as well," she remarked. "But the farthest I myself will ever get is the university."
    "I doubt that you'll get even that far," Alex said flatly, without averting his eyes from the book.
    "Well, I am determined to get that far," Emeralda declared. "I am going to be a scholar, like Florina's father. I am going to be acknowledged as the first Jumi female scholar. Although truly," she added, prompted by her characteristic honesty, "Florina deserves this title."
    "You are ambitious," Alex commented. "How about trying to become the first female Jumi knight instead?"
    "Because it can't be done, that is why." Emeralda's voice was censorious. "Women are not allowed to do anything in this city. They are not allowed to be knights- not allowed to leave the city without their knight, either. But in the outside world I will become a university scholar.”
    "I have a better plan." Alex closed the volume, his teasing smile appearing. "You should make everyone afraid of you, like they are of Black Pearl. Then you can become a knight."
    "I don't think that'll work, Alex," answered the girl with her no-nonsense tone. “Anyway, Black Pearl held the title for hundreds of years, so I doubt anyone could challenge her.”
    "Then become a politician, like Diana," Florina supplied now, apparently deciding to join the fun.
    But Emeralda wouldn't take the bait. "Diana is the daughter of the late high councilor, and that is why she is allowed to lead," she countered. "And she took advantage of a pretty bad time some one hundred years ago."
    "Well, at the least you should get a knight, so you would be allowed to leave the city," Florina proposed.
    Emeralda considered this possibility. "That is a good suggestion," she noted, an idea striking her. "I shall tell Elazul to become my knight."
     "Nicely said," approved Alex, his green eyes dancing. "If anyone would be able to coerce Elazul to actually come up to this point, I am convinced that it would be you."
    "I am going to keep this daring conjecture suspended in mystery,” a voice responded unexpectedly. Emeralda swerved her head towards the sunlit door of the library, and an uncharacteristic flush of confusion stained her cheeks. But she said serenely enough, "Well, you don't have a guardian yet, Elazul. Besides," she added with grave naiveté, "I know that you like to travel. We shall travel together."
    "As far as the university, I presume?" asked Elazul dryly as he advanced into the room. He was well-acquainted with Emeralda's plans.
    "Why not?" retorted Emeralda. "I shall use you for my plans; you shall use me as pretense to escape the city, and no-one will be able to brand you a deserter. We shall both benefit from the situation."
    "I fully believe that this child will be able to unnerve even Black Pearl herself," muttered Alex. His countenance changed, however, as he glanced at Elazul, and he reverted his gaze to the volume in front of him, pretending to pursue it. Since Alex's elevation to the position of Florina's knight the discourse between the two became nonexistent. Elazul accepted this situation with strained silence, thinking it was a mere continuation of their former coolness, and did not know that it was due to his all-too-visible infatuation with Black Pearl, whom Alex deeply disliked.
    Elazul hesitated for a moment at Alex's visibly cold reception, but Florina stepped into the breach by inviting him to sit at the table. He complied, placing himself at Florina's side. He was strongly drawn to her warm, gentle personality, and despite the lack of communication between Alex and himself he managed to occasionally fall with Florina's company, which he liked. To Florina's amusement this often resulted in a disjointed, two-sided conversation when Alex was present, both knights addressing her, but rarely each other.

    Elazul's first question was, "How are you feeling today, Florina?"
    "Oh, considerably better," she answered, pleased at his concern. "Alex and Emeralda always cheer me up."
    "I do especially- I am Florina's personal comic relief," muttered Alex with a wry smirk at Florina. She uttered a small laugh, but Elazul, although a reluctant smile bent the corner of his mouth, kept his eyes on Florina. He refrained from responding, knowing that Alex's remark was not addressed at him, and he thought, you still look pale, Florina; pale and unhealthy. He picked up a volume lying in front of him and flipped it over quickly, his eyes pursuing the text inside. "What's this? You're reading history?"
      "We're doing research," Emeralda informed him. "Alex and I are helping Florina to look through the books for clues about the southern temple."
    Elazul did not know much history, and he was not particularly interested in the subject. He returned the book to the table. "I am glad that you are feeling well, then," he said, addressing Florina. "I heard that you suffered an attack of fatigue just two days ago, but you seem to have recovered from it well enough."
    "It's all thanks to Alex's medicines," said Florina. "They help ease my illness."
    Elazul's gaze traveled over Florina's head to Alex. Their eyes met and Elazul, gathering determination, was about to address him; but Alex shook his head suddenly, as if wishing to prevent Elazul from speaking.
    A dark look stole into Elazul's eyes. He obeyed Alex's silent command, although with obvious reluctance. The next moment Alex rose to his feet all at once and said, "Florina, I almost forgot; I must make more medicine today. I'll be back in an hour." He ignored Elazul's vexed expression and walked out of the library with his quick gait.
    Elazul stayed for a few moments more, but then he excused himself. The suspicion that he was looking for Alex, rather than for either Emeralda or herself, lingered in Florina's mind, and she wondered whether Elazul sought to heal the breach between them. She learned about their former friendship in bits and pieces, for Alex sometimes spoke of his traveling days, and his days in the Jumi city before he became a knight, and Elazul's name was inevitably included in the narrative. What he kept silent about Florina guessed, especially after she drew from Alex the details of the incident with the murdered girl. After the narration was completed he awaited her judgment cynically, his eyes challenging her to condemn his behavior; but she refrained from commenting.
    Her thin hands now smoothing over the pages of the book before her, and her eyes not really seeing the text, Florina sighed inwardly. She had come to know Alex better- much better, these last few weeks; and she already understood a few things that Alex probably did not suspect.

     Emeralda interrupted Florina's thoughts with a sober remark. "Weren't Elazul and Alex friends once? I wonder why they avoid each other now. Personally, I think it's because Alex is extremely odious. I can understand why Elazul could not tolerate his company."
    Florina smiled at the girl. She knew that Emeralda's words were not entirely serious. The girl and Alex shared a similar rational streak in their personalities that managed to both clash and provide a strong, unspoken sympathy between them at the same time. Her only reply was, "I only hope that they manage to become friends again."
    "Good luck to Elazul!" said Emeralda dryly.

    The summer sunlight blinded Elazul as he emerged from the library, and he blinked, shading his eyes; a retreating blur in his vision, a shadow, pinpointed Alex's location. He hurried after it but Alex was quick and quiet, and for a few moments he nearly lost him as he rounded a corner.
    He managed to accost Alex near an outer balcony. This confirmed his suspicions. Alex had not gone to prepare any medicine, but was purposely avoiding him. He reflected that this matter may prove tougher than he thought it would be. Angry at Alex's stubbornness as well as at his own earlier behavior, which he knew served to worsen the breach unnecessarily, he called out:
    "Alex, wait!"
    Alex halted. He did not turn around, but stood with his slim figure perfectly poised, his shoulders straight, his back to Elazul. His reply was steady and detached:
    "What is it, Elazul?"
    Elazul paused, catching his breath. "Turn around," he said, somewhat roughly. "I can't speak to you this way."
    Instead of obeying, Alex walked to the balcony and leant over it, his elbows resting on the railing. He supported his chin with one hand and gazed at the view of the city below, into the dazzling white day that signaled the summer's end.

    "I'm listening," he said.
    After a momentary hesitation, Elazul said gravely: "It's about Florina."
    Alex remained silent, and Elazul could not tell from his reaction whether he was listening. "Alex," he continued, "many people think that you are in love with Florina."
      Alex turned his head, and Elazul could now see his profile. He glanced at Elazul from the corner of his eye, but the cast of his countenance was composed, and a slight smile tugged at his mouth, a smile that appeared derisive. Elazul always disliked this expression on him the most; it reminded him of that part of Alex's personality that so jarred with his own, and always made him uneasy, on his guard. Alex said coolly:
    "And what does it matter to me?"
    "It's Black Pearl," Elazul said with a sudden candor. "She doesn't like it, Alex."
    Alex's fine features were overcast with a hard look. "And why should it matter to the Lady Black Pearl?"
    "She-" Elazul could not help but speak with consternation, "apparently she does not wish you to get too emotionally attached to Florina, because-"
    "Florina will die soon?" Alex supplied cynically.
    Elazul looked away, but his innate honesty prompted him to answer. "Probably, yes.”

    "Well," said Alex, averting his face again, "I thank you for the warning, Elazul, but you don't have to worry about me. I can handle the displeasure of the Lady Black Pearl. You are deep into her confidence, aren't you?" he added sardonically.
    Elazul reddened, but would not take the bait. "It's not true," he replied. "It's all rumors, Alex; rumors travel quickly. I am doing it out of concern for you. It's not wise to cross Black Pearl."
    Alex said nothing. Elazul hesitated for a moment, then, with one of his characteristically blunt gestures, he approached Alex and leant over the balcony at his side, his eyes searching his countenance.
    "Listen, Alex," he began quietly. "It's been many weeks since we spoke. Can't we let go of past differences for the sake of past friendship?"
    Alex's expression was for a moment unreadable. He maintained his gaze on the blinding day. "It was largely out of your own choice," he answered indifferently.
    Elazul watched his profile attentively. "I am not apologizing for what happened. I am merely setting it aside for the sake of the present. It is your own choice whether you do the same."
    Alex was silent, the fingers of one hand sliding down the smooth red railing. "Well spoken. I did not ask for an apology, Elazul, for I do not think that I deserve any." He glanced at Elazul now, his ready smile suddenly surfacing. "If I was you, I would have avoided me altogether. People like you cannot co-exist with people like me."
    Elazul was slightly surprised at what appeared like a severe self-condemnation. But he sensed that Alex was not apologizing for any of his actions; he was merely stating what he considered to be a clear, realistic truth. He recognized his own failings and he accepted them fully, without regrets or self-searching; and he was not disposed to remedy them. Elazul, used to the moral thinking of his upbringing, to the self-searching, self-doubt, self-correction, realized this amoral self-acceptance was yet another alien characteristic in Alex. Either I accept Alex the way Alex is, he thought suddenly, or I shall never be able to accept him fully. He hesitated between two choices, for, recalling both Alex's brutal logic and his deep anger on that unfortunate day, he knew that he could bring himself do neither. He could neither accept Alex nor reject him, and could only live in a present, momentary, fleeting twilight of constant doubt.

    It was Alex who therefore made the first motion of conciliation. No doubt he read the conflict in Elazul's averted countenance, and the bright smile turned mocking. His hand shot out with one of his quick, spontaneous gestures; for whatever Elazul felt, he knew that he, himself, did not wish to lose Elazul's friendship.

    "Let us shake on it, then," he said cheerfully. "To friendship, Lapis Lazuli knight."
     A reluctant smile stole to Elazul's mouth and he took Alex's hand for a moment; but then Alex drew back and, unexpectedly, ascended onto the balcony's railing. He seated himself on it, swinging his legs, but a moment later he rose to his feet, poising his slim body on the thin edge.
    Elazul started at this action. "What do you think you are doing?" he asked.
    Alex grinned at him mischievously. "I wish to show you something."
    His fingers moved to his belt and expertly loosened the roll of rope attached to it. He then tied a loop at the rope's end; after he finished, he looked up at Elazul, the smile still tugging his mouth. "Look."
    He swayed on the balcony for a moment- then appeared to lose his balance. He vanished off the edge. Elazul, feeling as if something sunk to the bottom of his stomach from the shock, leapt after him to the edge of the balcony, intending to try and catch onto anything he could save Alex with. But even as if he was springing forwards a rope swung past him and towards the railing of the balcony above him, the loop tied to its end catching onto a large projection just below it and fitting neatly over the upwardly-curved edge. Elazul, leaning over the railing, could see Alex hanging on to the edge of the rope dangling just below the balcony and gazing upwards, his eyes laughing at him.
    "Were you impressed with my performance?" he cried.
    Elazul was torn between vexation and relief. "Are you trying to kill yourself?" he asked with a grim smile, glancing at the city spreading hundreds of feet below them.
    Alex raised an eyebrow, but his teasing look remained. "Not at all. I am just having a little bit of amusement, challenging Fate a little." He swung the rope a little using the motion of his body, his straight figure hanging to it with wonderful balance. "For a great part of my life, Elazul, I was confined, told what do. Freedom never felt so good- freedom to do just what I like."
    Elazul could sympathize with this sentiment, but not with its present expression; and Alex, reading this thought in his eyes quite plainly, said with mock accusation: "I thought you would be a little more pleased to see that I didn't fall to my death."
    "I have half a mind to sever this rope right now," Elazul answered brutally. Alex stifled a laugh at this reply, and climbed the rope quickly until he was hanging over Elazul's head; then he jumped back onto the balcony and straightened himself before Elazul.
    "Safe," he said. "Pleased now?"
    "Yes. Just don't repeat this performance again."
    Alex shrugged, glancing at Elazul. "We shall see," he replied.

    The morning room was suffused with warm September sunlight. Lady Diana, Jumi of Diamond, sat on an antiquated, extremely expensive chair, the billowing skirt of her cream-colored gown of lace spreading on the dark red pillow and falling down to her diamond-studded slippers. She and Rubens were having an informal meeting with Black Pearl today, for tomorrow the Knight of the Clarius was to finally commence her intended journey to the distant mountains. Black Pearl's mission was delayed by Florina. The scholar's daughter had conducted a strenuous and laborious research for a full year in order to translate the runes that opened all the doors in the Tower of Leires. But although she attempted to finish her labors by the end of the summer, she was suddenly unsure of certain parts of the chant that opened the final door. Black Pearl, who wanted to ensure that every detail would be correct and precise, told Florina to proof-read her translations. The task was finally complete, and Black Pearl was ready to leave.
    The door opened, but it was only Rubens, who peered inside and watched Diana silently, a glimmer of amusement in his eye. Sitting in the profuse sunlight she appeared a pretty, elegant little lady, with a certain dignified air to her repose. Yet there was also something almost childlike about her for just a moment as she gazed outside the window with a pensive expression, her feet not-quite touching the floor. She noticed his entry after a moment and turned towards him, returning his smile.
    Elazul met Rubens as the councilor was walking down the narrow side corridor and continued at his side for a short, impersonal discussion about some matters pertaining to his evening-duty. He now halted at the door, not wishing to infringe upon the meeting, but he had been standing next to Rubens and noticed his expression as he watched Diana. For some reason it caused him a strange, sudden pang as, for just one moment, the shallowness of his own feelings for Black Pearl were suddenly exposed by the depth of the emotions he witnessed on Rubens' face.
    "Sir," he said, barely containing his sudden embarrassment at witnessing such an intimate moment between Diana and Rubens; indeed, the emotions he witnessed seemed so private, so personal, that he felt as if he had unlawfully infringed on something without consent. "I shall go now."
    Diana, however, signaled Rubens to enter with her hand, her jeweled bracelets glittering in the light. "Please come in, and invite that young man with you- it's Elazul, I believe!" She welcomed the Lapis Lazuli with a friendly smile. She liked handsome men, and the Lapis Lazuli knight, brusque and reserved but sometimes strangely shy, was more to her taste than, for example, Florina's temporary knight, who had an air altogether too cynical and self-possessed, and whose gaze on the ladies was always more critical than admiring. "Do enter, Elazul; the meeting has not yet commenced, and you can continue whatever discussion you had with Rubens."
    Elazul made a shortly-uttered acknowledgment to her gracious invitation; but although he followed Rubens a step or two into the room he hesitated near the threshold, inclined to leave. "Thank you, Lady, but I think- I think I had said all that I wished to say."
    Diana slid off the handsome wooden chair and, leaving the sunlight, walked towards the two men with her demure, delicate stride. She allowed her large eyes, whose color of clear brown usually conveyed a false impression of softness, to twinkle with artful mischief. "Oh, come now, sir knight! The Lady Pearl will be here soon, and I think that you would not miss on the opportunity to meet her again. She is leaving tomorrow, as you must know."
    To Diana's well-concealed delight, Elazul could not help the flood of color that stained his cheeks. "The Lady Pearl," he said stiffly, "has my best wishes for the journey; but I must not tarry, Lady Diana."
    He was further disconcerted at her look of cool surprise. Rubens, who watched the conversation with some amusement, took pity on Elazul and intervened. "Elazul may leave, Diana; we covered all the information we needed. The Lady Black Pearl shall be here soon."
    Diana shot him a reproving look for spoiling her fun; but a steady voice behind them surprised Elazul into a dismayed start. "Indeed she shall."
    Black Pearl was standing just behind Elazul. He could not help but wonder how much she heard of their discourse, and his face burned. His thoughts raced guiltily; did she hear his awkward words, worse, did she Diana's insinuating taunt, did she understand it? And although he could barely look into her face, the general impression of her unruffled poise, her immovable composure also displeased him. Nothing, he thought, nothing could break through that self-possessed air, that cold equilibrium; nothing betrayed her into displaying any feelings, no emotions burned through the icy boundaries of her logical, practical, censorious mind.
    He muttered some curt apology, not quite knowing what he said, and after bestowing a quick farewell on Diana he departed. Black Pearl did not look at him, nor made any further comment on the previous conversation, but advanced into the room and stood by the window. The early autumn sunlight poured over her tall, stately figure, rested on her beautiful face, illuminated the dark honey of her thick, waving tresses, and flared over the gold and silver and red in her clothes. Her black eyes remained cool and opaque, reflecting, rejecting the light.
    "Shall we start the meeting?" she asked.

    After the meeting was finished and Black Pearl left, Rubens turned to Diana. She was sitting on her giant chair again, looking absurdly little and dainty; and he reflected how deceiving appearances are. He sighed to himself but addressed her, a hint of amusement nevertheless creeping into his reproof. "Diana, that was heartless of you; badly done. You shouldn't have teased him that way when anyone can see that-"
    "This young man is in love with Black Pearl?" finished Diana with a malicious smile that fully justified Rubens' reproof. "Not just anyone, my dear; to put it simply, just about everyone can see it. He's a fine handsome one," she added coolly; "a pity he's so easy to see through. But I like him very well."
    "The real question is not if you like him, but whether Black Pearl is inclined to return his feelings," Rubens replied gravely. He felt a little more worried about this question than he admitted. He could plainly perceive that a woman like Black Pearl could easily hurt Elazul. Rubens never felt that he understood Black Pearl well enough to discern the true state of her feelings- indeed, he never made the attempt, her nature being so alien to his own; but he was sure that Diana might know, and he waited for her answer with a somewhat uneasy air.
    Diana shrugged her pretty shoulders. "I'm afraid that I can't tell you anything definite at present. Black Pearl sees through people much more quickly than they can see through her. As far as discerning his feelings, I assure you that she had, a long time ago. Sometimes I envy that perfect control of hers," she added.
    Rubens was silent, thinking, and I, Diana, am glad that you are not that much like her. I would have been happier, indeed, if you did not understand her so well. After a short pause Diana continued, "She usually doesn't take up with his type, however- he's too emotional."
    "I think Black Pearl needs a little spontaneous emotions infused into her life," Rubens remarked dryly, his expression betraying his feelings about the lady in question quite plainly.

    Diana could read them, and she raised an eyebrow. "Well, perhaps, but then again he's so very volatile- delightful to be sure, but unsteady. He's famous for his repeated desertions, you know, and as for his training that upstart Alex and purposely staging a defeat in the contest- I confess that I can't comprehend that kind of a behavior, and I'm sure that Black Pearl doesn't approve of it."
    "But he did settle down and entered the guard," contradicted the ever-kind Rubens. "He's an excellent soldier, too; one of the best that I have seen for a while."
    Diana's light laugh sounded at this typically naive remark. "Rubens, my dear, let me tell you the reason that Elazul joined the guard: Black Pearl asked him to join. His emotions guided him in this matter, as always; if nothing else, he would have displayed a greater resolve had he refused her summon and stayed away. But he's drawn to her like a moth to a flame- or perhaps like a mouse fascinated by the hypnotic gaze of a snake. I truly pity him, but I'm not surprised that Black Pearl isn't inclined to receive his attentions. Her previous lovers had always understood her situation, and if any of them showed a jealous disposition she got rid of them quickly enough. She doesn't have time to deal with those."
    "She seems to have passed through numerous lovers," Rubens said soberly. "I cannot say that she experienced much steadiness in that respect. And I don't even know her as long as you do."
    "Well, I tend to believe that she got tired of them," said Diana reflectively. "Or perhaps they could tell that the relationship led nowhere and left to settle down with a willing girl. Besides, my dear, not all men are like you." She bestowed a loving smile on him and placed her white fingers on his hand. "Indeed, I am glad that Black Pearl did not discover you before I did- for she has a frighteningly determined will, and manages to acquire pretty much everything she sets her mind on."
    Rubens returned her smile; but he found himself pitying the inexperienced young knight that had such a turbulent expression in his eyes. Whether or not Black Pearl decides to turn him into her lover, he thought, that young knight is bound to end up experiencing a loss. To Diana he replied, "For this young knight's sake, then, I can only hope that she did not resolve to have him."

    Black Pearl walked into the golden balcony flanking the side of the royal palace. She looked up into an empty expanse of black sky. The icy stars pinpointing it like sharp, glittering needles glared at her harshly. Tomorrow she was to leave the Jumi city, and something inside her seemed to alter at this realization. She felt the frozen night on her skin and her core, at once as black and as ruthless as the night, and as bright as the indifferent stars, somehow responded to it with an energy, a throbbing aura like a holy fire, pulsing through her veins with thinly burning currents almost too painful to bear.
    She leant against the balcony's railing, her fingers gripping the intricate patterns of the deadly cold bronze metal. She did not feel the ache of her flesh against the biting edges of the railing, because the emotions flowing from within, pulsing deep inside her core, overrid any other sensation. Something was calling her; a spirit in the distance, a lure guiding her unto a long-lost memory. Far below her the city of jewels shone darkly, above her head the magic barrier she herself had enacted pulsed relentlessly. She felt trapped within, lost, and her breath heaved quickly, with effort, a desire to escape rising in her, a longing to reach that distant, calling glow. She struggled to comprehend that burning longing and felt herself trapped by another barrier; a barrier blocking the skies above her, a great rift in space and time that left her floating on a wispy island in the middle of nowhere, a cold mist surrounding her, and she was able to see and hear and sense nothing- and this lasted not a moment, not a day or a year, but forever- a loneliness stretching to all eternity.
    Black Pearl's face was deadly white, over-wrought with the surging emotions. She leant further over the balcony, her eyes black, empty pools in her white face, gazing blankly at the lower balconies stretching hundreds of feet below. A sudden gust of autumn winds flayed her slender figure, and she wavered on her feet unsteadily. The strong currents whipped her long hair across her face, and it disguised her countenance for a moment. It was then when Elazul, who stepped into the same balcony and perceived the figure of Black Pearl teetering dangerously over the thin railing, leapt forward and steadied her on her feet. His eyes went to Black Pearl's face, and he could see her countenance as the winds swept her long tresses away again; and her expression dismayed him enough to cause his grip on her shoulder to slacken.
    The presence and the touch of warm flesh on her own brought Black Pearl back to her senses. But then she crumpled under Elazul's grip and fell to her knees, the red scarf encircling her waist flowing to the white floor like spilled blood. Elazul instinctively sunk to one knee. She whispered something, and he tried to catch the faint words.
    "G-give... me... air..."
    "My Lady- please-" he said quickly, his voice shocked and low. "May I get you some help?"
    Black Pearl's voice became more distinct now. "Leave me... be... knight!"
    She looked up into his face, and he was momentarily taken aback by the cold animosity in her black eyes. Her very look repelled him, put a physical distance between them, and when a moment passed he found himself standing at least a six feet away.
    Elazul found himself shaking with a purely physical shock; after a moment he realized, with a deeper sense of discord, that he couldn't recall himself stepping backward in any ordinary way. He realized that it was almost as if she has somehow repelled him physically with the force of will in that mere glance.
    He collapsed to his knees, assailed by a sudden, overwhelming physical weakness; as if Black Pearl's previous weakness has been transferred to him, directly infused into his body. When he looked upwards again Black Pearl stood above him, a tall shadow, her face disguised by darkness.
    "I thank you for your support, knight." The tone was cold, the words rang sharply like a clash of steel. "You are Elazul, I think. The Lapis Lazuli."
    She entered the palace, leaving Elazul sunk on his knees in the empty balcony. He raised a shaking hand and wiped sweat from his brow. Somehow he knew that the remembrance would do him more ill than good, and wondered whether his acquaintance with Black Pearl, that began in such a strange, unfortunate manner, would end up bringing him more ill than good.

Comments: The Angel legend is included in the Legend of Mana history encyclopedia section. The gist of it was that 7 angels came to aid the faeries in their war against the human mages and that one of them came to the Jumi, and never returned to the heavens with the rest. I could immediately see the potential of this detail to replace that rather inane 'Lord of Jewels' monster plot of the original Jumi story. I added the details of the angel actually being the one to teach the Jumi their healing tears, and added the Jumi legend about the angel coming back to heal them, which will obviously trigger the final event.

Here's the list of ages for the characters (“human-terms”). I can guess their ages are supposed to be different in LoM (most of them are undoubtedly younger), but I wanted my protagonists to be in their twenties, not teenagers.

Emeralda: 15
Elazul: 23
Florina: 24
Alex: 25
Black Pearl: “27”
Diana: 32
Rubens: 35

Chapter 4: Amber

    Elazul knew that his feelings for Black Pearl were no secret, and, like any rumor, the gossip about it circulated around the Jumi court. But the extent at which his well-known infatuation became a subject of mockery was brought to his notice most unpleasantly with an event that Alex later termed “The Amber Affair”.
    Diana's court was composed of various members of the nobility, courtesans, and a few toads and flatterers that managed to worm their way into the high circles of the city through susceptible council members. Of the women, one of the most prominent court ladies was the notorious Jumi of topaz, whom her parents named Amber for the dark, impure composition of her stone.
    Her impure stone was not the only aspect of Lady Amber's character that frustrated her family. The Lady Amber was a distant cousin to Diana, somewhat younger in years- in human terms, twenty-eight or so- and a practiced courtesan. She resisted being assigned with a knight, claiming that she needed her freedom, and her friendship with Diana enabled her to maintain this wish. Instead of fulfilling her duty to society she embarked on a series of affairs with high-ranking knights and councilors since she turned a legal age (and some said before it), in a pattern that consisted of being the mistress of an older, high-ranking man and keeping an attractive young lover (sometimes artfully managing two) on the side. By Black Pearl she was regarded with contempt, nevertheless mingled with a guarded respect that she felt for Amber's tenacious independence.
    Lady Amber was a very pretty woman with luxurious honey-hued hair and a trim, petite figure that kept her looking much younger than her actual age. Her large golden eyes and a deceptively sweet, dimpled smile enhanced her attractiveness. Her favorite colors were red and gold- “the warning colors”, as Alex came to term them. She was generally well-liked by everyone, and, because of an easy-going, happy temper, she made surprisingly few enemies for her lifestyle.
    Alex drew her notice almost as soon as he appeared in court. ”The foxy boy”, she called him, but she did not feel any attraction for his delicate, sharp handsomeness, that she deemed too effeminate for her taste. A deepening acquaintance, however, re-kindled her interest, for she felt drawn to Alex's clever, ruthless tongue and cheerful temper that matched her own. For a little while she considered trying to seduce him, but Alex resisted her advances with admirable cunning that justified his title and earned her respect. She was, however, beginning to have second thoughts about him, for as she came to know Alex better she was beginning to draw her own conclusions about him; and this was the situation one day in late September when Elazul entered the scene.
    The Lady Amber knew about Elazul, having seen him in the contest and occasionally on guard duty; but except his “nice eyes” she did not find anything in him to interest her, thinking him just another good-looking young face among several. She liked men who could supply her with a sophisticated conversation and (although she could easily see through them) flattering compliments, and Elazul's austere silence was not to her taste. In addition, Elazul did not usually attend court parties and balls, although this was one of the royal guard's special privileges. He was ill-at-ease at such gatherings, the formality, light, insincere conversation and vicious gossip sitting ill with his honest disposition. He went to only two parties since he began his duty in mid-summer and resisted going to more, until one September night when Florina convinced him to escort her, Alex being busy with some papers.
    Elazul had to appear in the dark blue uniform required of the royal guard when attending formal parties. He kept close to Florina, feeling fidgety and wishing that Alex would arrive. After about twenty minutes an elegant lady attired in a splendid ball dress of red silk and velvet approached Florina and greeted her, asking after her health and inquiring about Alex. Florina told her that Alex will be arriving soon, and introduced her to Elazul as the Lady Amber.
    Elazul bowed and murmured a greeting. Amber, thinking his uniform very becoming, decided to stay until Alex arrives and entertain herself meanwhile by engaging in a light flirtation. She attempted to coax the young knight out of his inflexible formality and after achieving very little success she drifted away, feeling somewhat bored.
    Approaching Diana, who was sitting at a small table, she observed, “This one is a poor substitute to Alex!”
    “For my part, I prefer him to your insolent Alex,” Diana answered. “But don't waste your time on him. You know that he is infatuated with Black Pearl.”
    “It means very little to me,” said Amber, a dimple appearing. “And Black Pearl has been gone for weeks now.”
    Diana eyed her warily. “Don't tell me that you are intending to encroach on Black Pearl's territory, Amber.”
    “It does not appear to me that they are in a relationship,” said Amber, shrugging a white shoulder. “On the contrary, I understand that he's been rejected.”
    “You can never know what's on Black Pearl's mind,” cautioned Diana.
    But Amber was not listening at this point. “A frustrated love,” she mused, smoothing her long hair with one gloved hand. “It could be pathetically easy.”
    “I thought that you found him dull,” Diana reminded her. “It would be a pity to do this to him.”
    Amber raised an eyebrow. “Since when did you gain a heart, Diana?”
    “I won't have scandals in my court, my dear,” Diana answered decidedly. “You were discreet until now. But handling this one-“ she indicated Elazul with a guarded gesture, ”and Black Pearl together could be risky.”
    “I think that it would be amusing to steal him from Black Pearl,” said Amber, her golden eyes mischievous now.
    Diana had no opportunity to answer, because Alex bustled into the room at this point and she lost Amber's attention. After speaking to Florina and Elazul Alex walked around the hall for some time, exchanging greetings and flirting audaciously with women and men alike. The last table he arrived at was Diana and Amber's, and he executed a bow. Diana nodded her head formally, her expression not exuding any particular warmth. He was somewhat more successful with the other lady, who stood up and took his arm.
    “Alex,” she whispered, “I met your friend tonight and, if you don't mind, I'd like an opportunity for an extended acquaintance.”
    Alex raised an eyebrow. “Elazul? I assure you that it won't do, Amber.”
    “And why not?”
    “Let me put it bluntly,” said Alex, his smile crooked. “Elazul's type and your type do not match.”
    “But you are like me, and you get along with him very well,” Amber objected.
    “Not as well as you think.”
    Amber had no time to devote for this mood of resistance on Alex's part, because they were near Florina and Elazul now. She immediately linked her arm with Elazul's and, somewhat to his surprise, requested his company.
    He complied, although rather reluctantly. Alex came to stand at Florina's side, following the pair with his eyes. “Amber set her sights on Elazul,” he murmured.
    Florina appeared a little surprised, but said immediately, “I don't think they're very compatible.”
    “I do not, either,” agreed Alex. “But with someone of Amber's wiles you never know how far it may get.”
    “Besides,” Florina added, “there's Black Pearl.”

    “Well,” said Alex, his tone non-committed. “I suppose that's true. Still, it's Amber. Unless, of course,” he added, “Elazul discovers the rumors about her reputation.”
    Florina raised an eyebrow. “Do you think it will deter him?”
    “You still don't know Elazul well enough, Florina,” observed Alex. “He's a bit of a prig, in his way. Promiscuous women repel him.”
    Florina's eyes glinted impishly. “Well, I wasn't the one who spent three months on the road sleeping at his side.”
    Alex uttered a small laugh. “This crudeness doesn't become you, Florina.”
    “What about Black Pearl?” Florina pointed out after a pause. “Her reputation isn't the purest around.”
    “Yes, but she doesn't have the appearance of it,” answered Alex. “And as long as it's that way, Elazul can convince himself to forget about that little fact. As with any puritanical belief, the system of thought he follows entails a clash with his own desires, and therefore involves some measure of hypocrisy.”
    Florina eyed Alex with a small smile. “You sound a bit caustic tonight, my dear. Do you mean to warn Elazul about Amber?”
    “If I deem the warning is needed,” Alex said coolly, “I will.”

    At first Amber did not seem to make any progress with her heartless little plan. She was smart enough to perceive something of what Alex had observed about Elazul, and proceeded with cautious gestures of friendship. But Elazul, who loathed the insincere manners of the court to which Amber clearly belonged, resisted even those.
    She was forced to formulate a careful strategy. Pretending to have no special interest in Elazul, she would visit Florina's room, or walk around with Alex- who, although well aware of her true goal, made no objections- at hours in which she previously had little contact with either. As she foresaw, this made her fall into Elazul's company more often. He still managed to avoid her quite often, however, and she could not tell whether he was aware of her intentions, or whether he was avoiding her because of a special dislike. But gradually, as a week passed, and then another, he became more at ease in her presence, even to the point of conversing with her in a relaxed way, and conversing with Alex and Florina in her presence with his habitual ease.
    Now that she saw more of Elazul, Amber began, albeit somewhat reluctantly, to like him better. She found his concern for Florina affecting, his friendship with Alex engaging, and discovered than he was more intelligent than she previously assumed. She began to listen to rumors about him a little more carefully, and learned that, partly because of his successfully avoiding having a guardian, and partly because of the scarcity of Jumi females his age and the strict protocol that guarded young Jumi women, he never had any relationship with any Jumi female, either serious or casual. “Although,” Diana, who knew all about Elazul, had added, “he was many years on the road, and I suppose that he dallied with those human women occasionally.” She said it dismissively, apparently considering a relationship between humans and Jumi as a negligible matter that can be easily overlooked. Because of the disparity of life-length and the inability to have children this was usually true, and in Elazul's case at least it was probable. Emotionally he seemed inexperienced for his age, and Amber began to understand why he allowed himself to become infatuated with Black Pearl so quickly, without being on his guard. She thought it would be a really delightful thing to draw out his potential; but on the other hand her new liking of him made her hesitate.
    Alex, for his part, tried to draw Elazul into telling him what he thought about Amber; but Elazul resisted his attempts stubbornly. It was certain that he came to the court parties more often, and spoke to Amber quite frequently; but Alex was unsure whether it meant anything serious.
    The truth was that Elazul had no intention of getting involved with Amber. He acknowledged to himself that she was attractive, and he liked her clever mind and engaging personality. He felt easy in her company, which he never did in Black Pearl's; but, with instinctive caution, he sensed what type of woman Amber was, and kept on his guard, determined not to let her draw him into anything. Amber was a consummate actress, and Elazul was not experienced enough to guess that she had specifically oriented on him, thinking instead that she meant just another flirtation.
    Alex, however, was not so certain. One day he caught up with Amber as she was walking down the famous “Lovers' Lane” in the back of the palace.
    “Looking for your lover?” he mocked.
    She turned and dimpled at him. “Take me, Alex, and I will never need another man again.”
    Alex uttered a short laugh. “If it's Elazul that you seek as replacement, I would advise you again to leave it alone, Amber.”
    Her smile glowed at him sweetly. “Give me a good reason why I should. I happen to like him very well, you know.”
    “I already told you,” answered Alex. “You don't want to trifle with someone like Elazul, Amber.”
    She raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean by that?”
    Instead of replying, Alex pulled up the sleeve of his shirt, exposing his slender arm. He showed Amber a discolored bruise that was turning a pale green by now. “This is what happens when you cross Elazul,” he told Amber. “Elazul sometimes loses his temper, and when he gets really angry, he forgets to think.”
    Amber didn't look convinced. “With you, maybe,” she conceded. “But that's because you are a man, and you can take it. But he won't hurt women. I don't think he has that in him.”
    “Intentionally, never,” answered Alex. “But as I told you, Elazul forgets himself. And he can hurt you with words, too, Amber, and you are not the type that can bear this kind of a treatment, just like he isn't the type that can bear with women who will flirt with other men in front of his eyes.”
    This seemed to give Amber a pause; but then she shrugged her shoulder. “It's Elazul's choice, my dear,” she told Alex serenely. “Let him determine what to do with his life, and stop trying to handle it for him.”
    Alex made no reply to this, and Amber, thinking over what he told her later, decided to let things take their course from now on.
    It was in early November, six weeks after she first met Elazul, when things came to a final pass, and decided a course for Amber without her intention.

    That day in early November Elazul wandered in the palace late at night, having finished his duty on the guard. As he came near one of the small rooms in a back corridor, generally unfrequented by people late at night, he perceived Amber rounding a corner and entering one of them. She appeared unusually upset, and Elazul, feeling that this was no ordinary occurrence, approached the door and knocked hesitantly.
    She told him to come in, and he entered a small room with walls the color of antique rose. It was full of centuries-old, beautiful furniture unique to the palace, consisting of a small mahogany table, a sofa with an ornamented golden cover, and a lamp diffusing a soft orange glow. A large window with white lace curtains was open to the cool night. Amber was sitting on the rosewood chair, a drink in her hand, staring at the red roses floating in a vase of china.
    She gave him a smile as he came in, and murmured his name in greeting. Elazul, scanning her countenance, thought that she did not look well. He has never seen her unhappy, for her temper was usually lively.
    “What's wrong?” he asked.
    She maintained her wan smile. “A relationship, what else? I can pretty much tell you that it's over.” She sipped the wine from the glass, and Elazul noticed that it was nearly empty.
    Elazul knew that he was not the best authority on relationships, so he said nothing for a moment. He pitied her, but he was also somewhat surprised that the sophisticated Amber would end up being hurt. He reflected that no one was secure in these matters. “I'm sorry,” he finally managed, rather lamely.
    She laughed a little. “What for, my dear?”
    He did not know what to answer, and flushed a little, murmuring something uncommitted and half-apologetic. Amber contemplated him for a moment, thinking his pathetic innocence utterly charming, and finished her wine. “I feel warm,” she said. “Three glasses consumed in a little over one hour- goodness, that's what these things will do to you.” She then rose to her feet and approached the open window, looking into the blue night. “It's all right,” she said over her shoulder. “After a while it doesn't matter anymore.”
    Elazul, concerned by these depressed words, rose to his feet likewise and tried to think of something to say. He noticed that she was wearing an elaborate but impractical golden dress with a net of tiny topaz stones set over it. Her shoulders were bare, and a rose-colored lace shawl casually draped around her arms and back provided very little protection from the winds drifting through the window. “You'll catch a cold,” he cautioned her, coming over and shutting the glass.
    Amber was touched by his consideration. She watched his serious profile, now smiling slightly. The drinks made her feel light-headed, and before she properly thought it through she walked towards him and placed her hand on his shoulder.
    Elazul froze for a moment, and then slowly turned towards her, trying to believe that this was just a casual gesture of friendship. His found himself looking into Amber's golden eyes and very pretty face; her expression was serious, and a little melancholy. For a moment their eyes met, but then she raised her arms and embraced his shoulders, laying her head against him.
    Elazul stood still for a moment, his color heightened, feeling rather foolish. He did not wish to draw away, for her expression was truly unhappy, but he did not wish to embrace her either, feeling that it would be an imprudent gesture. For whatever he tried to tell himself about their being merely acquaintances, he began to feel warm and rather agitated.
    “I'm sorry,” her voice came, rather muffled. “I just…”
    She didn't complete the sentence. After a moment he succumbed to his initial impulse and his arms encircled her small, neat figure.
    She gave a small sob, and Elazul relented further. Any suspicions that Amber might be playing an insincere part vanished from his mind, and his arms closed around her. “It's all right,” he said softly.
    In truth, this event was completely unintentional on Amber's part. She always knew instinctively that a woman in distress would serve to soften Elazul like nothing else will, but she had no intention of playing the part herself. Her broken relationship was important enough to her, but she knew that, like with all the other relationships, she would recover from it well enough. Elazul, however, had no such knowledge, and his imagination magnified her sorrow into something enduring.
    Amber was aware now that the drink made her go further than she intended. After a moment she said, “Thank you,” and released Elazul's shoulders, going towards the sofa. She was beginning to struggle between two points. A thought flashed through her head that she did not really wish to seduce Elazul, at least not at that moment, because she feared that something might happen that she will end up regretting. She decided to leave the action up to him, play the neutral part, and let him determine what would happen, and seated herself on the golden covers with her head hung down.
    Elazul, of course, had followed her, and she could sense his concern flowing at her. He immediately seated himself at her side, peering at her downturned profile. She finally looked up and dimpled at him.
    “Thank you so much,” she repeated.
    Elazul averted his eyes, again trying to murmur something that came out incomprehensible. The memory of her in his arms was still imprinted on his mind. He wondered whether he should get up and leave before it's too late, but his body wouldn't obey. A moment later, despite her resolution to play the passive part, Amber took his hand.
    “You are a good person, Elazul,” she said with a low voice. It was an impulsive, heartfelt gesture, and she meant it sincerely. Elazul, sensing this, flushed deeper.
    Amber perceived his embarrassment and it suddenly made her feel good, in control of her life again. All at once she thought that she wouldn't mind having him as a lover. She found it hard to believe that what Alex had told her of Elazul was true, and believed that this facet of his personality was the only one he will ever show to anyone he loved. The fact that neither of them was in love with the other at present did not concern her very much, for she possessed a naive belief in her power to make any man love her, and her failures never made a difference to her, because her temper was optimistic.
    She tried to convince herself now that to this meeting with Elazul was, perhaps, not just a coincidence, but a signal of a deciding fate; and that there will be no harm in luring him into spending time with her. And since she had an artlessly selfish nature, she also felt no qualm in taking advantage of his present susceptibility. She raised his hand to her lips and kissed it.
    This gesture had exactly the effect it was intended to have. Elazul consciously knew what would happen if he stayed, and he was beginning to forget everything but the present. Amber leant against him. Her hands embraced his neck once again, and she rested her face against his shoulder. She now felt his hand passing over her hair, and her arms gripped him tighter. After a moment she lifted her face towards him; and then a knock on the door startled them both.

    The door was pushed open unceremoniously, and Alex appeared. He took in the full measure of Elazul sitting with Amber in his arms with a frankly critical gaze. Without apologizing he said, “I thought I'll find you here.”
    Elazul was very red, but he also looked angry. Amber turned her head towards Alex and could see a challenging expression in his eyes, and a cynical smile on his lips. Somehow it amused her, and her dimples appeared at once.
    Releasing Elazul's shoulders she rose to her feet and said, “Were you looking for me or for Elazul, Alex?”
    Alex indicated Elazul, and Amber said, “Well, then, I shall leave.” She threw a look at Elazul, but discovered that he was sitting with his face down, his hands on his knees, his expression grim. Deciding that she would certainly not like to stay for an interview between these two she passed through the door and closed it behind her.
    She had a few moments of regrets as she walked down the corridor, but after deliberating the situation over she realized that the addition of Alex to the already questionable presence of Black Pearl in this situation was even more complicated than she anticipated. And besides, perhaps she did not wish to hurt Elazul, and she was not sure of the long-term results had Alex not interrupted them. She reflected that Diana was right after all.

    Back in the room, Elazul's first question was, “How did you know that I was here?”
    Alex raised an eyebrow. “You know me well enough, Elazul, and know better than to ask such a question. I was spying on you, of course.”
    “Thank you!” was Elazul's mortified answer. “But I wish you'd do something else with your time.”
    “Listen,” said Alex concisely- his manner, Elazul noted with exasperation, was not at all embarrassed- “I don't know how you feel about Amber, but she meant to trap you into this situation from back then.” He didn't specify the date, but Elazul understood which occasion it meant.

    “That's none of your damn business,” he replied.
    “Perhaps, perhaps not,” retorted Alex defiantly. “But I think you know Amber's reputation. If that's what you're looking for, might as well go out there and pay a-”
    “I told you already,” Elazul said savagely, cutting Alex off before he could say the word and turning a deeper shade of red, “that it's none of your damn business!”

    He paused, because his voice was becoming dangerously loud, but then he leant back against the sofa covers and regarded Alex with a somewhat acrimonious smile. “And that's how you speak of her,” he remarked. “And she is your friend!”
    Alex shrugged, glancing at him. “I like Amber very well and I don't censure her lifestyle,” he retorted coolly. “It's when she tries to get you emotionally involved without being so herself when I object.” He folded his arms and added sardonically, “It seems to me pretty strange that you'll transfer your feelings so quickly from Black Pearl to Amber, Elazul. Whatever feelings they were, then, they must've been pretty similar.”
    Elazul leapt to his feet and caught Alex's arm with a hard grip. “Shut up!” he said wrathfully.
    But Alex simply looked at him, a smile peeping out. “Are you really that easy to tempt, Elazul? It might be anybody's turn next.”
    Elazul stared at him for a moment with a bemused expression, then flushed deeply with chagrin, releasing Alex's arm. “Damn you,” he muttered. “You don't care about anyone but yourself.”
    Alex raised a warning finger. “Wrong. I care only about myself and-“
    “Florina,” Elazul completed wearily.
    “Correct!” Alex replied blithely. He leant against the wall, crossing his arms and keeping his gaze steady on Elazul. “Amber wanted to see if she can seduce you as a challenge. She wished to see whether you would prefer her to Black Pearl, despite yourself.”
    “What?” asked Elazul, staring at him and for a moment having difficulty understanding this strangely humiliating fact. “She did it because she- as a challenge?“ He paused, then seated himself back on the sofa, lowering his head into his hands. “Perhaps I should have known,” he said after a moment of silence. “Why didn't you tell me so from the start?”
    Alex, scanning his set countenance, began to pity him a little. “Well, perhaps this was not entirely her point,” he amended. “But that's what I heard. People were speaking about it in the party last night.”
    After a pause, Elazul said, “I don't care about- anything that she did, except that-“ he brought his fist down on his knee in barely contained fury- “that damnable court seems to think me some kind of-“
    He didn't complete the sentence. Alex said quietly, “Don't take it to heart. Why are you so ashamed of these feelings? They are honest, a part of who you are.”
    "Get out," said Elazul curtly. After maintaining his gaze on him for a moment, Alex obeyed. Alone in the room, Elazul lay down on the sofa and rolled to his back, crossing his arms behind his neck and staring at the rose-colored ceiling. He remained lying this way for a long time.
    The next morning Elazul would not talk to Alex, avoiding him as much as he could; it lasted for three days, then, with Florina's help, all bad feelings between them passed, and their friendship became as easy as it was before.
    Amber made up with her lover and became happy again; but Elazul avoided her, and never spoke to her again. She was deeply sorry for that, for she liked Elazul, and conveyed a message of apology through Alex, but Elazul told him shortly that it was simply an admission that she was doing something she should be sorry for; and he became convinced that Amber's behavior in the room that night was a staged performance.
    He avoided courtroom balls from then on.

         A cold afternoon in early November found Emeralda inside the library, pursuing her assigned pieces in a very heavy volume written sometimes around the third century. She was doing this for the sake of Florina, who had taken ill to her bed after healing several feverish Jumi and was unable to continue her reading for that day.
    Bent over her volume, Emeralda narrowed her eyes, her small nose crinkling with concentration. The writing was rather old and the difficult task of deciphering the intricate grammar kept her occupied. She took no notice of any of the coming and going of people into the library. The place was quiet, for noise was strictly forbidden, and Emeralda might have continued at her book until the evening; but a pulsing feeling at her core drew her attention from it.
    She looked up, only partially distracted, and was about to dismiss the momentary feeling as a false alarm when she perceived a figure sitting hunched over a nearby table.
    It was a young man, and he seemed to Emeralda somewhat older than herself, although his figure was so thin and emaciated that she would have had a hard time judging his age had she not recognized him by his white hair and pale, lean countenance. Everyone knew the story of Snow, the Jumi boy who was cursed by a snow faerie as a child.
    From her vantage point Emeralda could only glimpse the youth's profile. Like the rest of his body it was both sharp and delicate, and had the sickly hue that characterized his curse- or, as his parents insisted on calling it, his sickness; but everyone else called it The Curse.
    Snow was born with the Black Ruby as his core, for he was the child of Rubens' brother, and the family had a strain of rubies in its genes. His parents were overjoyed, because the Black Ruby was a rare, highly valued gem, and there had been no Black Ruby Jumi for two thousand years. But their satisfaction did not last long. The Black Ruby core proved a mixed blessing, for the baby's body had trouble adjusting to the powerful core, and he was subject to frequent burning fevers. There was certainly something wrong with the core, but none of the Jumi healers could assuage the problem, and their healing tears only produced short-term results.
    Then, the rumors of the Snow Crystal Jumi reached the ears of Snow's parents. Men said that an extraordinarily beautiful Jumi woman lived in the Fieg Snowfields, whose core was an Ice Crystal. Snow's parents took their dying child on the journey in the hope that the Crystal Jumi will be a healer whose tears might serve to calm the out-of-control flame of the Black Ruby.
    But when Snow's parents arrived at the Ice Crystal Garden in the Fieg Snowfields, high atop the mountains, they discovered that the creature they sought was not a Jumi, but a snow faerie named Crystalle.
    Crystalle took one look at the baby and somehow managed to divulge the problem. “From today on,” she said, “this Jumi child shall no longer be called Black Ruby, but Snow.” A cold glow surrounded the child as she spoke, and his parents could only watch in horror as the Black Ruby lost its dark glow and slowly froze into a clear ice crystal; the child's dark red hair turned white, his golden eyes were drained of color and became a clear gray, the color of the sky over the Fieg Snowfields.
    From that day on the child was renamed Snow, and he was subject to frequent attacks of colds and ill-health; but he managed to survive despite his continuing illnesses. His mobility remained very limited for many years because of his frail body. But some traces apparently remained of Snow's original core, for his temper always flared quickly, and an over-indulgence by his fond and worried parents served to decide a character of unpleasant, ill-tempered restlessness for him. Most Jumi youths avoided him because of it. Emeralda herself had met him very rarely, and she was too busy to notice him in the few time that he ventured out and crossed her path.
    She now wondered why she felt a signal coming from his direction. The sensation had been weak enough and she would have been content enough to ignore it and return to her studies, when a voice snapped:
    “Stop staring at me.”
    Emeralda realized that she has been gazing at him as she was daydreaming his story; a habit she sometimes fell into, and which most people found rather disconcerting. She answered calmly:
    “I wasn't staring.”
    “Yes, you were,” he answered curtly. Emeralda now could see his face fully, and noticed that his eyes were a very deep gray color that, unlike Florina's eyes and other gray-eyed people, had no traces of green or blue in them. This fact interested her, and she barely heard his reply, and leant forward to ascertain her first impression. This apparently disconcerted him, and he seemed to shrink into himself. “You are very rude,” he said, the look in his eyes hostile.
    Emeralda understood his discomfort now. She leant back in the chair and passed a hand over her hair. “So are you,” she retorted.
    This reply appeared to anger him. “Just because I am the 'Cursed Jumi' it gives you no right to stare at me this way,” he lashed at her.
    Emeralda did not have a quick temper, and angry people did not upset her. “It was your doing,” she returned coolly, observing the changing expressions passing across Snow's countenance with detachment. “Your core signaled to mine.”
    The boy's white face flushed vividly. “It did not. You are lying!”
    “I never lie,” said Emeralda decidedly. She was getting tired of this unproductive conversation and meant to return to her book; but she was unaware that the young man opposite was struggling with conflicting feelings. Suddenly he said:
    “I- I shouldn't have said what I did.”
    “It's all right,” Emerald answered, turning to her book. He could discern that she was already half-way to forgetting his presence, and said quickly, “What are you reading? It's for the Lady Florina, isn't it?”
    This sudden change of address and subject rather surprised Emeralda, but she made no objection to it. “Yes, it is,” she replied. “How did you know?”
    The young man's face turned red again. “I, I've seen you with the Lady Florina in this library before. Rubens told me about the project.”
    “Oh.” She was silent for a moment and he fidgeted, waiting for her decision. Finally she signaled to him to come over.
    He obeyed her, his eyes fixed on her with an expression that any other girl would have interpreted quite clearly. But Emeralda, with that peculiar innocence that interspersed her logical nature, rarely took things on a personal level. In this she was Snow's complete opposite, for his over-sensitive and self-centered nature always interpreted everything in a manner that affected himself.
    He seated himself at Emeralda's side somewhat awkwardly. She was the first girl to whom he spoke in an easier manner than those formal greetings exchanged with the daughters of his parents' friends, in those public meetings that he loathed. But Emeralda always struck him as being a little different than the other girls his age. He had seen this young, very pretty Jumi of Emerald several times in the past year, and felt drawn to her grave eyes, set off by a curiously serene, charming little countenance. She always remained blissfully unaware of his presence, and this frustrated him; but she never rejected him nor tried to make forced, friendly conversation like the other Jumi girls. She simply did not seem to be aware that he existed.
    He was surprised to see her frequent the library, but had not thought to make conversation with her at all, until her measuring stare induced him to utter his sharp, hasty words. But now that the conversation began, he warmed up to the subject. “I read runes myself,” he disclosed with that sudden impetuosity characteristic of him. “Like Lady Florina.”
    Emeralda looked perplexed. “You do? I thought only Lady Florina could read runes.”
    “I taught myself to read them by studying the volumes written by Lady Florina's father,” Snow explained. “For five years now.”
    Emeralda was genuinely impressed. “I should have done that myself,” she observed. “Then I would've been more help to Florina. I think that you should tell her about it.”
    “Perhaps you should tell her,” Snow suggested, his pale countenance flushing again. “I don't think I'll know how to address her,” he added with engaging honesty.
    “That's all right,” Emeralda assured him. “I'm sure she'll be pleased with what you accomplished.”
     His face lighted momentarily. “I hope so,” he said, but his tone was reserved. “I don't think that I learned as much as I should have, but I hope she'll think my level sufficiently high. I did study it quite diligently.” After a pause he added moodily, “After all, I have nothing else to do all day.”
    “Don't you ever go out?” questioned Emeralda.
    “My parents won't let me go around too much. It's this cursed illness,” he added bitterly. “I'm sick of my whole life.” He seemed discontented again, and meditated upon his wrongs.
    Emeralda felt that this young man was disposed to excessive self-pity, and she told him so. His cheeks flushed, he told her that he had never met anyone as rude as she is. This was followed by a cool suggestion from Emeralda to spare himself of her company, which he almost acted upon, when he recalled that he still wished Emeralda to tell Lady Florina about his rune-reading, and he turned around just as he was about to leave in a temper; an action which so amused Emeralda that he found her smiling at him. This disconcerted the unfortunate young man so much that he stammered the rest of his request and seated himself at her side again with a red face, completely forgetting his anger after three minutes, during which he was fervently explaining to his interested audience the history and usage of the runes.
    The conversation wandered to other topics, and Emeralda told Snow that she did not mean to stare at him. “For,” she explained, “I was simply recalling your story. I tend to do this sometimes,” she added. “I just kind of daydream and forget that people are around me.”
    Snow privately considered this habit one of her most charming traits; but he said that he knew that she didn't mean to embarrass him, and even apologized again, quite handsomely he thought, for his quick outburst. “My temper is still very quick because of what my core used to be,” he explained. “And I am so used to people considering me strange, and an object of pity because of my story, that it was easy for me to conclude the same about you.”
     “I don't think there's any blemish upon you because of your story,” said Emeralda. “You shouldn't be ashamed of it. It's a very interesting story, although I'm sorry that the results turned out this way.”
    Snow observed her, and gathered his courage for a more personal disclosure. “My parents tell me that Crystalle's actions were on purpose, out of malicious intentions, like any faerie,” he said. “But on the other hand, the Black Ruby did make me constantly ill, and even, if I understand correctly, brought me to the point of death. Perhaps, although she devalued my core significantly, Crystalle saved my life?”
    “That's a good observation,” Emeralda admitted. “Suppose it was true?”
    “Yes, everyone got so used to thinking of my core alteration as a curse that no-one paid attention to the fact that it might have saved my life,” observed Snow with a sudden genuine smile that, Emeralda thought, improved his countenance considerably. “I still wish the side-effects hadn't been these constant illnesses. But between these and the raging fevers that constantly threatened my life, I suppose I'd choose this.”
    “It's nice to know your outlook on it is improving,” Emeralda commented. For a moment Snow thought that she was mocking him, but then he realized that it was her habitually frank way of phrasing her thoughts, and he dismissed his suspicion and smiled at her again.

    “My dream is visiting the Fieg Snowfields,” he said, “and finding Crystalle. I need to know the truth. Why would she do something like that?”
    “Suppose that it was truly meant to save your life?” said Emeralda. “Perhaps she could see that you were dying.”
    “That's what I think,” said Snow. “But I need to know for certain what Crystalle is like, and what were her motivations. Perhaps then I can return and tell everyone that Crystalle did not curse me, but saved me.”
    “A noble aspiration,” Emeralda agreed.

Comment: Amber is going to be one of a few original (made-up) Jumi I use in the story for the Jumi society. None of these characters will truly influence the plot or appear beyond Part II of the story.

A thank-you goes to Jordan S. who sent me some additional information about the Jumi not available in the U.S. version of Legend of Mana. Some of this information included details about unused Jumi, and I decided to use them in this story.

The information about Snow is thus: his original name was “Snow White”- I changed this for obvious reasons- he is male, 17 years old. It's as follows: “He had an ice crystal as his core, and was a hot-blooded boy. He was an old friend of Glaciera (Crystalle).” The rest of the information is a spoiler that I will add when I get to the rest of Snow's story, but I myself invented the story with the Black Ruby and the change of the core.

The idea for using the black ruby was in honor of the Angel Sanctuary sound and drama tune “Black Ruby”, from the CD “Digital Angel”. Unfortunately, I can no longer find the tune online.

Chapter 5: Sapphire

     One quiet, blue afternoon towards the end of October, some time before “the Amber affair”, Elazul walked in the mazelike palace gardens commonly known as the Labyrinth. He was off-duty at the time, and sought a little peace and quiet; and pausing by a stone wall covered with climbing roses, now a bare, thorny network of intertwining branches, he seated himself on a narrow marble bench just beneath it. His mood was meandering at best, somewhat like the rambling path of the bare garden he traversed, and he was thinking of nothing in particular.
    It therefore took him several minutes to notice that he was not alone in that part of the labyrinth. He gradually became aware of the presence of another figure that he spotted from the corner of his eye. The figure, that Elazul recognized to be female, was leaning against a wall whose workings were entirely obscured by trailing ivy. It was small and slight, and Elazul could tell that it was a young girl by her clothes.
    Elazul was not particularly acquainted with any young Jumi girls except Emeralda. He was aware that a young man and a schoolgirl not yet of age, found together in a solitary place, constituted a situation which many would consider improper, and questionable at best. He deliberated between the sense that he ought to leave, and the wish to question her as to the reason that she was alone in that part of the palace; but after a moment he rose to his feet and decided on the latter choice.
    Until that point the girl appeared to be staring vaguely into the garden without paying much attention to anything in particular, and Elazul could barely glimpse her face beyond the dark hair that waved around it; but his sudden movement made her aware that she was not alone. She swerved her head in his direction, and upon seeing Elazul she turned fully towards him. Elazul found himself looking at a slender girl with the most incredible eyes that he had ever seen, and he could not help staring at her for a moment.
    He could immediately see that she was not, as he had previously thought, younger than Emeralda. Rather, he found himself facing a delicate-looking young woman of a very small stature. Her schoolgirl uniform indicated that she was not, however, yet of age; they consisted of a long-sleeved blue shirt and a billowing skirt of dark cobalt silk cut just above her knees. Long, thick hair framed her white countenance and fell down her back in rippling waves. Her oval little face was dominated by great eyes with a slightly exotic slant to them, whose beautiful, intense, and very pure blue color was somewhat darker than Elazul's own. Their aspect was distant and somewhat dreamy, and she gazed at Elazul for a few moments without saying anything.
    The girl's modest shirt closed up to her neck, and Elazul could not see her core; but from the present makeup of her colors he could guess her to be the Jumi of Sapphire.
    After a moment of hesitation Elazul decided that conversation was inevitable. The girl's eyes were fixed on him uncertainly; she appeared a little apprehensive, and Elazul immediately guessed that her lonely venture into the garden had not been sanctioned by her elders.
    “Did I startle you?” he asked her. “I'm sorry.”
    But she only lowered her eyes and fixed them on the rain-drenched grass at her feet without making a response. Elazul did not consider this beginning particularly encouraging, but he continued to speak.
    “I did not mean to encroach on your privacy. I was seeking a little solitude, myself.”
    She replied now, with a very soft voice. “It's- it's all right. I didn't mind it.”
    Elazul deliberated over taking the course of action any adult would; to ask her whether she meant to join anyone nearby soon, whether a guardian or a schoolmate. But he did not particularly wish to appear in the light of a disciplinarian, a position for which he had little taste; and on the other hand, he was thoroughly aware that tarrying around this girl would open him to suspicions if anyone found out about it. He now noticed that there was an expression of lingering melancholy in her countenance, and it struck him that she did not seem like a particularly happy person. He became uneasy, instinctively aware of a premonition that too much inquiry will lead to some kind of an undesired involvement, or a situation that he might not be able to handle. He therefore opted for the easy way out.
    “I must go now,” he said, turning and speaking over his shoulder. “Perhaps you should do the same soon.”
    And upon that parting remark he continued in the opposite direction of the complicated paths of the labyrinth. His wary curiosity about the girl soon subsided before other, more pressing concerns, and as he did not meet her again, he soon forgot her completely.
    But the effects of “The Amber affair” turned out to have results more far-reaching than either Alex or Elazul had anticipated; and although Elazul felt at least one sharp repercussion of his conversation with Alex on that night, regarding the state of his own irresolute feelings, the extended results of it became apparent only little by little.

    A gentle evening nearing the middle of November, a little over a week since "The Amber affair", found Diana and Rubens engaged in a private conversation in Diana's favorite room in the palace, the morning-room. The room was furnished with the rarest and most expensive items in the palace, and decorated tastefully in colors of snow, crimson and dim gold. Diana wore her official white gown, with the ceremonial golden cloth of office with its saffron patterns tied around her waist and flowing down to her feet.
    Rubens sat on the white sofa at her side, leaning comfortably against the red pillows. He was holding a glass of yellow champagne, that he was shaking idly with his hand in gentle, circular motions, barely tasting a sip of the liquid as he listened to Diana recount the events of the day. They have been conversing for almost an hour now, since sunset, and Diana paused for a moment after she finished her recital. She was gazing at her hands, folded neatly in her lap, and suddenly she said,
    “Rubens, I wanted to meet you here because I wished to discuss a very specific matter with you.”
    Rubens watched her with some attention, and the aimless movement of his hand slowed. “Is it something important?”
    A slight frown marred Diana's brow, but then she said lucidly enough: “Yes and no, I suppose. It concerns the Lapis Lazuli.”
    “Hmm,” was Rubens' non-committed answer. “The Lapis Lazuli again.”
    “Again is true,” answered Diana. “And again, Rubens, is also too much.”
    “And what happened now to merit this severe indictment?” questioned Rubens. He was mildly surprised at Diana's tone, but did not feel particularly worried. Elazul had been the talk of the court for months now, and the gossip was getting old for Rubens' taste. He never liked court gossip, and he supposed- and, for the sake of Elazul, also hoped- that eventually the frivolous attention that the Lapis Lazuli knight received would pass in favor of fresher material. He did wonder, however, what happened to merit Diana's particular attention.
    Diana fixed her eyes on the antique lamp, that diffused a soft golden glow, and when she spoke again her tone was circumspect. “As you know, Amber has determined, against my warning, to involve him in an affair.”
    Rubens has heard a snatch of this information before, and it did not particularly please him; for, although he liked Amber, he thought that it would be unfortunate that Elazul would become the focus of a woman like her. But as he heard nothing more of it, he supposed it came to naught and soon forgot about it. “From this I infer that she actually succeeded, Diana?” he asked cautiously.
    “I warned her against it, but she ignored me,” answered Diana, her fingers tapping on her knee now in a rhythmical manner that Rubens recognized to signal displeasure. “I had not supposed, however, that she would have much success, because of his well-known infatuation with Black Pearl. But a few days ago she recounted what happened to me, and it appears that she almost managed to draw him into something, and it was foiled only through interference.”
    “Interference?” Rubens repeated, an eyebrow rising in inquiry.
    “I will tell you about that later,” answered Diana. “What disturbs me, Rubens, is the fact that he almost capitulated to Amber's advances.”
    “And why is that worrisome to you?” asked Rubens. He was somewhat curious as to why Elazul's affairs would absorb Diana so much, and waited for her explanation.
    Diana leant back against the ornamented cushions. “Think about it,” she said with a mirthless smile. “That young man has successfully resisted being assigned with a guardian for many years now- I suspect, Rubens, that this indicates a kind of a stubborn refusal to relinquish his freedom to the city's concerns; and somehow we relaxed the rules for him simply because of his exceptional skills as a knight. In my opinion, this was a mistake, because he never learned to maintain any sort of responsibility towards the city. I am simply concerned that, now that he became immersed in the highest levels of Jumi society, in which he had not been previously involved, he will end up embroiling himself in some kind of an indiscretion, an impropriety.”
    Rubens could now perceive that she was in earnest about this matter. He leant forward and settled the glass in his hand on the table, focusing his attention on Diana. He was acquainted with her for many years now, and knew that she considered any disruption to the social structure, any apprehension of a scandal, as one of the gravest transgressions possible; and he felt uneasy for Elazul when she spoke this way. He therefore thought it expedient to object on his behalf. “Surely you don't think- a girl not yet of age? It isn't like Elazul.”
     “I don't know what to think,” answered Diana, “but I have a premonition that nothing good will result if we don't place a reign over his actions soon. I confess that I previously regarded this matter with some leniency, because I was pleased that he finally appeared to participate in the affairs of the city. But I thought that the situation with Black Pearl might cause him to mature a little. Now I see that he is far from being settled in his habits, and I have decided that he requires an anchor to steady him down a little.”
    Rubens now caught the drift of her words. “I see. You mean to coerce him into acquiring a guardian. He will resist it, Diana; I suspect that he will simply leave the city again.”
    Diana uncrossed her arms and shifted in her seat, her fingers pressing against her lips in thought. “He will not, not this time. When he left fifteen years ago he had no parents, no siblings, no ties to hold him to this city. But the situation has changed.”
    “You mean Black Pearl,” supplied Rubens.
    “Yes, and no,” she said. “Black Pearl is one aspect of it; but it would be correct to also include Florina and Alex into the calculation.” She glanced at Rubens. “It was Alex who foiled Amber's attempt to seduce Elazul.”
    Rubens was slightly surprised, but he was not quite sure what this might portend, so he said nothing, and Diana continued:
    “Elazul's friendship with Alex is yet another matter to which I have given some thought. I must confess that I don't like what I have heard about it at all. There is something about this Alex that seems to me unorthodox to an extreme, and from what I understand he possesses some kind of a curious influence over Elazul. It appears that their friendship has undergone several ruptures, which always involved Alex upsetting Elazul in some way; yet, despite it, Elazul always gravitates back towards him. It's as if a strong bond of mutual empathy formed between those two, that Elazul refuses to relinquish despite the strife it brings him. All this shows me that he tends to fixate on people he cares about, and this kind of a possessive streak can be extremely troublesome if it's not properly channeled. And the fact that it is unfortunately directed towards this-“ she spoke the name with distaste- “this Alex at the moment makes it worse than otherwise.”
    Rubens privately reflected that for some reason Diana seemed to consider this aspect the worst one of Elazul's situation; and he supposed that Diana was worried that one non-conformist mind endorsing another will only lead to trouble.
    “What we need to do, as you guessed,” Diana continued, her tone now decisive, “is to get Elazul to agree to be paired with a guardian. A new relationship will endow him with responsibility, and will serve to divert his mind from his other connections.”
    “Wait, Diana,” Rubens said, raising his hand. “What about Black Pearl? What would she think of it?”
    “Black Pearl always considers the good of our society before her personal concerns,” answered Diana with her clear, precise voice. “If she comes back and still wishes to have him for a lover- which, at this point, I am beginning to doubt- she could easily do so with proper discretion. If she finds that she cannot, I promise you that she won't waste a thought on it. I have never seen her setting her personal matters before the good of the city, nor get emotionally involved with anyone strongly enough to do so. I sometimes even doubt whether any of her previous connections ever included an actual emotional attachment.”
    Rubens was silent. He knew that Diana, with her habitual efficiency, had mulled the solution to this situation over in her mind prior to this conversation; and he waited for her to produce her conclusion. Diana now spoke briskly. “Because of the Lapis Lazuli's character, we must proceed about it with some caution, and this is why I need you to give it some personal attention. The guardian will need to be a young girl- just come of age, or a little after it, preferably attractive in appearance. I have already took the measure of this young man; he is one of those idealistic types that pursue their notion of a pure sort of love.”
    “An old-fashioned type?” asked Rubens with a slight smile.
    Diana shrugged. “I suppose you can call him a prig,” she answered, unconsciously echoing the hated Alex's observation. “Like his type, he wants a girl that he believes to be solely in his possession, so to speak.”
    “Yet this,” said Rubens dryly, “doesn't seem to me to quite fit his falling in love with Black Pearl.”
    “Then it's an infatuation,” Diana answered abruptly. “Why else would he be tempted by Amber? Besides, Black Pearl is a special case; I am speaking of ordinary women.”
    “And you truly believe that the simple fact of the knight-guardian bonding will serve to divert his mind from Black Pearl?”
    “If we plan it carefully, perhaps,” answered Diana. “We shall tell him to accompany her on a trip to the outside world. By the time they return, they will have been together long enough to hopefully form some emotional attachment. Remember; we need to find an ordinary enough girl for him, who will still possess some special attraction. And it will be best if she's the gentle type that needs his protection, for his nature is to be protective towards people weaker than himself, and it will appeal to his compassionate side.” Coolly, she added, “One to ten I can guarantee to you that the girl will fall in love with him; and once she bonds with him emotionally, he will feel that to pursue another woman at her expense will be a betrayal.”
    “I cannot add anything,” murmured Rubens. “It seems that you have thought this through, Diana.”
    “Precisely,” she answered. “I would be sorry to lose Elazul's valuable services to this city. If he wishes for a relationship upon which to vent his emotions, we might as well channel him in a socially acceptable direction; otherwise, I'm afraid that I will not be able to tolerate his presence in this society.”
    Rubens' smile was wry, and a little melancholy. “You sometimes frighten me, Diana, the way you treat peoples' emotions like so much pieces of chattel, to be examined and fitted neatly into their own proper little squares in the chessboard of society.”
    An amused light now entered Diana's eyes, and the coldly rational expression in them vanished. “Am I too calculating, my dear? It's unfortunately necessary to keep our social structure firmly intact. Improperly vented emotions, diverging beliefs will only serve to destroy it.” She examined Rubens' countenance, and could see that he was tapping his lip with one finger in a thoughtful fashion. “What is it?” she asked, smiling now.
    “I believe-“ Rubens said slowly, “that I know of the perfect match for your case, Diana.”

    It was a fine afternoon in the middle of November, a few days after the conversation between Diana and Rubens. The sky glinted with a fresh, icy azure, and the pale sunlight illuminated the gardens surrounding the royal Jumi palace. Knights and ladies sauntered the beautiful green grounds in a leisurely fashion, conversing among themselves about the latest news; and young women and girls of the privileged Jumi nobility who finished their study hours in the royal academy strolled the paths together, giggling and gossiping among themselves.
    Three of these young women were presently sitting on the edge of a marble fountain, near a path cut between neatly-pruned rose trees. Two of them were sisters, members of a fairly prominent family in the Jumi hierarchy, for their father was the brother of a previous Clarius.
    The eldest was a Jumi of amethyst, a fine-looking young woman somewhat younger than Elazul, with eyes of the cool violet color that characterized her core. Her smooth hair, parted across her brow and tied up with an ivory comb decorated with tiny lavender jewels, was a rich purple hue. She was decked in a white gown laced with mauve ribbons, whose elegant cut accentuated her slender figure. Her manner and bearing exuded a cold composure magnified by her sense of the elevated stature she enjoyed in the Jumi society.
    Her younger sister was a Jumi of aquamarine, a very pretty girl a little older than Emeralda, with large azure eyes and long, bright hair. Unlike her sister, whose graceful gown manifested her coming-of-age status, she was decked in a schoolgirl's uniform, which consisted of a woolen sweater of a muted cerulean hue and a short sky-blue skirt. She had a very different character than her elder sister, for she appeared flighty and giddy and somewhat empty-headed.
    The third girl was their cousin, a silent young woman dressed in blue, somewhat younger than Amethyst. She barely uttered a word to intrude into the stream of constant, inconsequential talk carried on by the two sisters.
    “Ami,” the aquamarine Jumi said, interrupting her eldest sister suddenly as the amethyst Jumi was speaking of some matters pertaining to the academy, that she privately considered exceedingly dull. “There's some people coming our way.”
    Amethyst paused and shielded her eyes against the bright winter sun. “You're right, Marina,” she answered. “And- oh goodness, no! I do believe that it's that awful brat, Emeralda.”
    “I hope that she didn't come this way to discuss her studies with me,” said the aquamarine Jumi fretfully. “It's tiresome, how she goes on and on about it.”
    “I agree with you on this point at least,” said her sister with distaste. “I could never stand that odious child. She always had this insufferable air of know-it-all about her, even though she was the youngest of our class. But who's that boy at her side?”
    “Her prospective knight, maybe,” Marina guessed with a titter.
    “He's so thin and pale,” Amethyst remarked with a disapproving tightening of her lips; but her sister suddenly exclaimed: “Hey- I think that's Snow! You know, Ami, the Cursed Jumi. I didn't know that he went out on these cold days.”
    “That makes things twice as bad,” said her sister, her lip curling. “I never liked him either. They're a fitting pair, all right; one is equally as detestable as the other.”
    “I don't know,” said Marina, staring at Snow with her bright eyes wide open. “He improved.“
    Amethyst bestowed a disparaging look on her sister at this remark, which produced a giggle on Marina's part; and in the distance, Emeralda paused when she perceived the three Jumi girls.
    “Darn,” she said.
    Snow paused on cue. “What is it?” he asked.
    “It's Sapphire, but she's with her horrendous cousins,” answered Emeralda. “I want to speak to Sapphire, but I can't stand either of them, Amethyst especially.”
    Snow never hesitated in situations such as these; he always did what he found most convenient. “Let's just go, then,” he told her briskly.
    “Wait, no,” Emeralda said, arresting his movement by placing her fingers on his arm. “Sapphire's so nice, and I want you to meet her.”
    “I already met her,” answered Snow curtly. “She was in some party or other, I don't remember which. I don't think I even heard her voice.”
    “Sapphire's very shy,” Emeralda told him. “She doesn't speak much. She's the daughter of a former Clarius, you know. When her mother died her mother's brother took her in and adopted her. I pity her, since she had to grow with those abhorrent cousins of hers. She might even become the next Clarius, because she has the power of healing tears.”
    Snow, however, took very little interest in these matters, and, disinclined to meet the other two girls, he urged Emeralda to leave; but his attempt was foiled by a voice at their back: “Hello, Emeralda.”
    Emeralda immediately recognized the voice and turned around to face the speaker. “Elazul!” she exclaimed. “And- how are you, Sir?” She inclined her head towards Rubens with deference.
    “Sir,” said Snow, flushing and turning to do the same. “I did not notice that you were coming this way.”
    Elazul regarded Snow and Emeralda's alteration of manner before the high councilor with some amusement, and Rubens came forward and shook his nephew's hand. “How are you, Snow? Elazul and myself came this way for a purpose. Emeralda, I understand that you are acquainted with those young ladies?” He indicated the three young women by the marble fountain.
    “Yes, Sir, I am,” answered Emeralda, a little surprised.
    “Good, then,” said Rubens, smiling at the young girl. “I would like to introduce Elazul to Sapphire, as I have been telling him of her prospective position.”
    The arrival of the two men meanwhile caused a small commotion by the fountain. Amethyst straightened at once, keeping her figure poised, her eyes fixed on them. “Goodness, it's the Lapis Lazuli,” she said tersely. “How do I look, Marina?”
    “As usual,” answered Marina indifferently. “You won't be able to get him to notice you, you know. Everybody knows about HIM.” She uttered another of her small titters, and her sister glanced at her derisively, but ignored this provocation.
    Elazul, approaching the young women, politely came forward and made an inquiry. He recognized Sapphire at once as the girl he met in the labyrinth some weeks ago. If she recalled him, she made no sign of it, but kept her head low and answered his remarks with monosyllables.
    During the polite introduction that ensued, Amethyst (without much success, and with the occasional interruption of maliciously insinuative comments on the part of Marina) attempted to draw Elazul's attention from Sapphire to herself. Snow, for his part, stood behind Emeralda and tried his best to appear polite in front of Rubens, but displayed such a clear apathy towards the two sisters that it was lucky that Amethyst was too preoccupied to mind it, and Marina was too busy at gleefully observing her sister's failure in forcing Elazul's attentions to care about Snow's behavior.
    Rubens' point having been made, he invited Sapphire to visit the palace with Elazul and himself, to which she assented politely enough, although without a display of any particular eagerness. Emeralda then took an advantage of a brief pause in the conversation and came forward and, through a brief exchange with Sapphire, succeeded to arrange Snow, Sapphire and herself into a group. Then, inviting Elazul to join their walk towards the palace library, she contrived matters to her satisfaction. “Snow and myself shall be escorting Elazul and Sapphire, Sir,” she announced to Rubens. “Don't worry about them.”
    This wasn't exactly Rubens' original intention, but he was amused when he discerned that he wasn't the only member in this ill-assorted gathering with a definitive plan. He therefore gave his consent to Emeralda's statement, and, knowing himself to be more urgently required elsewhere, took his leave. Emeralda then made a polite, concise departure of Amethyst and Marina and led her charges away, leaving neither sister with the impression that their dislike of her was unjustified.

    From the various hints dropped to him by the high councilor, Elazul understood that Rubens wanted him to get more particularly acquainted with Sapphire. He was not certain why it should be so, but he did not bother to probe too deeply into it, thinking that it may have something to do with his friendship with the current Clarius and her knight. Since he entered the royal guard he was introduced to many members of the Jumi nobility, and Rubens always gave him careful and specific instructions if any of them happened to hold a position that merited special respect. He therefore thought that the specific introduction to Sapphire had to do with the duties owed to her importance and possible prospective position.
    Emeralda kept up a steady conversation as they walked towards the palace, but the chief speakers were Elazul and herself. Snow, who disguised his shyness of Sapphire under a slightly moody expression, kept near Emeralda's elbow and as far as possible from Sapphire; and Sapphire, keeping at the other end of the row, walked at Elazul's side silently. Emeralda, however, was determined to draw her out, for she wished Snow and Sapphire to become friends; and she quickly contrived to push Elazul to the end of the row and managed an arrangement that consisted of Snow and Sapphire walking on either side of her. She then began by telling Sapphire about Snow's rune reading, and this immediately produced a more animated discussion. Snow, beguiled into forfeiting his shyness at this subject, became more volatile; and Sapphire listened to the conversation carried between Emeralda and Snow with the first appearance of interest that Elazul had seen on her. Elazul, excluded from the conversation as it involved a subject that he did not pretend to understand or take an interest in, found Emeralda's tactics too amusing to resent it; and he was sufficiently diverted by an observance of how the very different personalities of these three young people interacted.
    He observed Sapphire in particular, recalling her behavior in the labyrinth, and, now that he knew about her prospective position, feeling his curiosity about her re-awaken. Emeralda was well-known to him, and Snow, secretly resentful at having to share the company of the two girls with an older man whose appearance was so much superior to his own, did his best to pretend that Elazul wasn't a part of the company- something that Elazul noticed to a certain extent but did not care sufficiently about to mind. He therefore watched Sapphire with some attention, particularly drawn to her beautiful eyes. Sapphire herself was not beautiful, for there was something too wan and even sickly-looking about her white face, but her paleness merely enhanced their beauty.
    As the conversation continued, Sapphire gradually became more open. Her manner was not animated, but she began to interject quiet comments into the discussion that both Emeralda and Snow appeared to like, and served to increase Snow's ease of manner around her. By the time they were walking inside the palace Emeralda, observing that her efforts had produced a success, had a pleased air.
    Elazul discerned that they reached Snow and Emeralda's favorite hangout, the library, and he paused, reluctant to enter. “I shall leave you three together,” he told her.
    Sapphire now glanced at him, appearing to notice that he was still at their side for the first time; but she remained silent. Emeralda, however, became aware that her successful venture had neglected Elazul, and she rejected this suggestion.
    “You shouldn't go, Elazul,” she told him. “They are having a garden party within an hour or two, and you can stay with us until it begins.”
    “Unfortunately, being closed up in the library for two hours listening to matters I don't pretend to understand is not my idea of a good time, Emeralda,” replied Elazul dryly.
    But Emeralda would not have this. “You certainly should stay,” she countered. “For Snow and Sapphire have not yet heard you recounting your travels, and I know that they would like to hear about them. Sapphire especially.”
    Elazul was slightly surprised at this, and he glanced at Sapphire. She lowered her eyes, fixing them on the floor, but said softly, “If- if you don't mind, Knight of Lapis Lazuli- I would.”
    “Call me Elazul,” Elazul told her.
    She raised her head, appearing disconcerted. A smile bent his mouth. “Not 'Lapis Lazuli', Sapphire. My name is Elazul.”
    She made no reply, but seemed embarrassed by this instruction. Emeralda tugged at her arm. “Don't pay attention to him,” she said severely. “He's very nice, even if he doesn't always act that way.”
    “The same could be said about you, Emeralda,” Elazul replied.
    He did, however, agree to come with them, and settling himself into a chair, embarked on a brief narration of his travels with the help of Emeralda's instructive questions and comments. Snow was interested at first, but he was not particularly pleased at this appearance of comradeship between Emeralda and Elazul, that excluded himself; and eventually, with quietly-uttered comments addressed at Emeralda, he managed to draw her attention away from Elazul's account and embark upon a different subject. Elazul was left with only Sapphire as his audience. She sat with a lowered head for the first ten minutes; but, her attentions slowly engrossed, she began to glance up more, and even intervened with a shyly-uttered question after the first half-hour. At the conclusion of an hour she was his sole listener, asking an occasional question, but for the great part simply attending.
    After a while Elazul suddenly paused. “I am grateful for your attention,” he said with a half-smile. “For you can see that these two-“ he indicated Emeralda and Snow- “are too engrossed in their own affairs to keep up even a polite appearance of interest.”
    Sapphire glanced towards Snow and Emeralda, who were bending together over some slender volume that Snow produced from somewhere; but her eyes returning to Elazul she said, with a slight hesitation but with perfectly clarity, “You should not think that. I was very interested in what you told us.”
    “I am glad of it, then,” answered Elazul. He secretly thought that her serene manner and honest way she had of expressing herself were very engaging; and began to feel more interested in her, and to wonder why she seemed so unhappy.
    She did not immediately reply to his remark, but fixed her eyes on the floor. Then she said, very quietly, “You- you traveled a lot. It must have been so wonderful.”
    “Well-“ Elazul leant back in the chair, with a speculative expression. “In one way, yes, it was an important experience. In another, not always. The Jumi-hunters make traveling extremely difficult and very dangerous for Jumi.”
    “But you had- you had freedom,” Sapphire replied, with a peculiar emphasis on the word in her shy little voice. “And you saw so much.”
    He was beginning to understand the drift of her conversation. “True. I suppose that I did get to experience more than most Jumi in that respect. But the city is safe, Sapphire; and this is important too.” He glanced at her, observing her down-turned face; and keeping his manner casual he said, “I understand that your mother was the Clarius, Sapphire.”
    She made a slight nod with her head.
    “Did you ever meet Florina, our Clarius?” he asked her.
    “Yes- a few times,” she replied softly. “She seemed like a person that I would wish to know better.”
    Elazul leant forward in the chair, placing his hands on his knees, and giving her a direct look. “You should have said so, then. I am a friend of Florina's. A meeting with her could be easily arranged.”
    Sapphire said nothing. Slightly puzzled, wondering about this strangely lonely girl, he prompted her: “Well?”
    But Sapphire suddenly shook her head. “I- I don't know,” she answered almost voicelessly. “I- don't know if-“
    Elazul's brows drew together at this reaction. “What? Why is that?”
    She suddenly raised her eyes towards him, their look oddly tragic. “I am sorry I asked. I can't- my mother, she-“
    Suddenly Elazul understood. “Your mother,” he said, looking down. “Of course, she died of...” He felt suddenly angry, thinking, here is another victim of this policy of ours, and glanced at her. It struck him that her expression was distressed, and the look in her eyes was blank, and a little lost; and trying to divert her mind from this subject, that he was sorry for bringing up, he said steadily, “Florina will be glad to meet you, Sapphire. I think that you will like each other.”
    But Sapphire made no reply to this remark; and although Elazul met her several times in the next two weeks as she occasionally accompanied Emeralda and Snow, she never mentioned the subject of meeting Florina, and he did not prompt her again.

    “Have you heard the latest news, Florina?” Alex said one day in late November. “Listen well, for once again it's about Elazul.”
    Alex came to visit Florina, who was translating runes in her bedroom. The open window brought in a refreshing breeze and the sky glimpsed through it was a chaste blue. The desk by the window was cluttered with various scrolls and ink-pots, and Florina was inscribing runic characters carefully onto a fresh scroll, providing explanations and remarks with her small, neat hand on the margins of the paper.

    “I hope it's good news, my dear,” she said without glancing up from her work.
    Alex leant against the wall flanking the window with his arms folded, staring at the opposite wall in an abstracted fashion. At Florina's response he glanced at her. “That depends who you ask,” he answered. “Diana, you see, had finally decided to reign Elazul in.”
    Florina glanced up at Alex at this remark, an eyebrow raised in inquiry. “Reign Elazul in?” she echoed.
    “Yes.” Alex's voice was dry. “Madam has justly decided that the Lapis Lazuli is too restless and needs a socially sanctioned mate of his own.”
    Florina maintained her gaze on Alex. “Go on,” she said slowly.
    “The target's name is Sapphire,” Alex continued briskly. “I have seen this girl, and I must hand it to Diana; she's a shrewd one. She apparently thought this matter carefully through.” A sardonic smile twisted his mouth. “It's a good strategy, planned to perfection. Point one: the temptation of fame. This girl is apparently almost of age, and they plan to make her the next Clarius; her position will bestow great honor on anyone who has been her knight. Point two: a socially appropriate companion. This girl is obviously a completely and utterly harmless person. She is pretty enough, but not offensively pretty. She is almost of age, and inexperienced. I have to say that Diana picked up on THAT point with remarkable astuteness. Point three: the appropriate character. There is something heart-wrenching about this girl; she is clearly a lonely orphan, and not a happy one, either. And the heart that Diana means her to wrench is Elazul's. There is something so touching about the susceptible, disconsolate, innocent waif!”
    Florina gazed down throughout this lengthy analysis; she did not notice for a moment that Alex had paused and was watching her expectantly. “Well?” he asked. “I can tell that you are thinking about something.”
    “Yes,” Florina replied quietly. “I am thinking about Sapphire. It's just that-“
    “Go on,” Alex prompted, his curiosity awakened.
    “Sapphire,” said Florina, her thin hands smoothing the scroll before her absently, “is, Alex, the daughter of a former Clarius. Her father died when she was an infant. I understand that she was a reserved, shy child, very much attached to her mother; and as she watched her mother decline throughout her childhood, she developed a severe anxiety about losing her. When the moment finally came and the Clarius' core broke, Sapphire, still a child at the time, was present. Due to this event she lost her voice and wouldn't speak for a whole year.”

    Alex considered this. “No wonder she seems to be in a state of perpetual melancholy,” he remarked.
    “She's a good girl,” said Florina quietly. “I would like to see her happy. To use her this way for the sake of Elazul's services is shameful. But perhaps it won't succeed; Elazul so loathes to be coerced into doing anything.”
    “Perhaps,” Alex answered. “But don't underestimate Diana. Please recall that two obstacles remain, but I have no doubt that she has considered them. One is Elazul's notorious unwillingness to take on a guardian. The introduction, as you see, was therefore made carefully, to ensure that he sees and gets to know Sapphire before he is informed of her destined role. I can guess that a strategically-placed coercion of some sort just might work to complete that gentle push at convincing him to acquire a guardian. The other obstacle is Elazul's equally notorious infatuation with Black Pearl. But I can tell that Diana has got a report of the Amber story, which does not surprise me in the least, for it must has come from Amber herself. Diana reasons that if Amber would do for Elazul to appease his frustrated yearning for Black Pearl, then this girl might do just as well. After all, nobody speaks about love in these matters, right? And since Black Pearl is also notoriously indifferent towards Elazul, Diana hopes that he will eventually let go of his infatuation, and that she has found the socially correct object towards which he will divert his attentions.”
    Alex ceased speaking and stared out the window at the cool blue skies. “And yet, I still wonder,” he remarked in an absent tone.
    Florina glanced at him. “What is it?”
    “I met Elazul a little over a year ago,” Alex said slowly. “He was walking around the city at night, like a restless, caged creature seeking an escape; and indeed, he did decide to leave that very spring, and I came with him. I even think that he did not wish to return, but he did return in the end. Had he not met Black Pearl he would have been gone again quite quickly.”
    Florina glanced at him. “Perhaps, perhaps not,” she commented.
    Alex paused, regarding her with a raised eyebrow. “What?”
    But Florina shook her head with a faint smile and remained silent. Alex, choosing to ignore her, continued: “Had it not been for Black Pearl, he might have left again. But his so-called elevation to the royal guard has given him a renewed distaste for life in this city. I simply wonder what he would do if he found out about Diana's latest scheme.”
    Florina said nothing, and a caustic smile curled Alex's mouth. “I suppose, then, that it's a time for decision again. It's Black Pearl or freedom this time, Elazul.”

Comment: Sapphire is a Jumi that appears indirectly in Legend of Mana's section “Drowned Dreams”; as you can tell, she will appear later in this story as well. At first I was unsure how to integrate her into the story and thought of making a separate short story about her, but in the end I found a way.  

Part II

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