No More Secrets - The Caregivers: Part 3

No More Secrets
The Caregivers: Part 3

“Cailu! Get me out of here!”

   Meline’s panicked voice called for help while Cailu already rushed to the shore, ready to extend his hand to pull the shocked Tyrian out. More gasping and splashing could be heard from Aethone’s pool as she had also returned from her tragic memory, giving her all to get out of this cursed thing. Only Elywen’s corner remained completely silent as the Runner was busy sharing her happy memory with the Caregivers. Having pulled Meline out, Cailu extended his other hand to invite Aethone, burdened by heavy thoughts rushing through her head, to his embrace. This time Aethone didn’t hold back or hide her emotions as she quickly tucked her big head against Cailu’s soft chest and sobbed together with Meline, who had also hidden her face from the outside world while trying to shake off the traumatic experience she had to relive so vividly. Salty tears disappeared into Cailu’s coat as a couple more handmaidens rushed over to ease the topsiders’ suffering. While holding the girls in his tight embrace, Cailu glanced towards Elywen, who had started to slightly twitch while still unconsciously floating in the magical water.

   Elywen’s mind started to turn. Despite conjuring a good memory, the strong magic around her wanted to know more, pulling her towards the other side of her soul. The scene around her dissolved, and not being able to resist the pull, Elywen suddenly found herself in one of Thedale's castles. It was late evening as the Sun had already set, still casting a faint red glow in the starry sky above it while Elywen was on a terrace, comfortably lying on a pillow while a deep red fluffy Vayron pup was sitting in front of her, a magic study book open. Elywen recognized the Runner, and the memory she was in made her feel uneasy, which made her body in the pool move.

“We are deeply sorry you had to experience something like this again, it was not supposed to happen.”

   One of the handmaids tried to comfort Meline and Aethone, who didn’t react to their arrival at all. They both were still trying to shake it off, like a nightmare they had just awakened from and needed time to fully reach back to reality. The handmaids had brought towels with them, which they used to start gently drying up the distressed girls’ backs and tails while they were held in Cailu’s comforting embrace. Feeling the caring and understanding around her made Meline gradually calm down. She lifted her head and grabbed the corner of the towel to wipe away the tears and water from the pool, while Aethone needed some more time with Cailu’s secure presence.

   The pup in front of Elywen seemed displeased. They had worked hard for several days in a row, but not once had he received a good word from his teacher. No wonder he no longer could hide his frustration and had snapped at Elywen, who didn’t let it bother her the slightest.

“Listen, child, I wouldn’t be teaching you if it weren’t for your parents. All other pupils of mine mastered these lessons within a day, while I’m forced to waste time with you here for weeks. Now, get back at it till I call it a night and allow you to go to sleep.”

   Elywen wasn’t exactly sure why she had to lie like that. This little pup named Argelath was progressing surprisingly well, considering his tender age and the society around him. Elywen was aware of the great prophecy written for this kid, but in order to tilt the odds in the better outcome’s favor, she couldn’t let him know how special he really was.

“Oh dear, looks like you two weren’t ready for this. I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t have been pushing you so hard.”

   Cailu caressed Aethone’s neck as he looked at Meline, eyes filled with regret. One handmaiden offered Meline a small flask with sweet-smelling liquid in it, assuring her that it’ll help to ease her situation. Without giving it a second thought, Meline took a good gulp out of it and immediately felt the sugary potion hit her mind, already making her feel so much better. She politely thanked her and wrapped herself tighter in the towel still around her, just to get the comforting sense of a hug. Aethone was also offered the same liquid, and eventually agreed to take it, experiencing the same pleasant calm washing away the deep dark thoughts raging in her head.

   The pup’s lips curled as he tried to hold back tears, and with anger boiling in his heart, he turned his focus back on the damned book before him, trying to read it while suppressing the desire to just walk away. Elywen could sense that, and she felt regret. There was definitely a better way to prepare this pup for what’s to come but Elywen didn’t think empathy was a good tool for teaching. She believed in discipline, respect and strong will to achieve great things. This time, however, she felt her heart getting heavy as the first tear rolled down young Argelath’s cheek. She regretted being so harsh and the fact she never apologized for that night left this memory weighing down her subconsciousness.

   With a loud gasp, Elywen woke up. She swiftly turned around and made her way to the shore, just to meet Meline’s, Aethone’s and Cailu’s saddened looks. Aethone was still leaning on Cailu while Meline was simply sitting next to him. Elywen seemed mildly irritated but kept it to herself as she shook off the water from her fur and began to twist it out of her braids. The handmaid offered her a towel as well, which she grabbed without thanking and started to use that to get herself completely dry.

   Meline’s and Aethone’s sunken gazes were empty as they were thoroughly exhausted from the nightmarish trial. They heard the Governess approaching them, to which even Elywen stopped her activity to look at the important Haedian. She stopped near them, giving each one a brief look.

“You have shown us your soul, and we are very grateful for that. Even if all memories that came forward weren’t pleasant, we treasure greatly what you shared with us, and welcome you among the Caregivers clan. The Matriarch will be expecting to see you soon.”

   A wave of relief washed over Meline and Aethone, while Elywen was intrigued to meet face to face with the infamous leader of the Beneath. Our two main heroes, Meline and Aethone, merely wished to succumb to a sweet slumber to properly recover from their great adventures down here and get ready for the major historical event that was soon to come.