Immortal Tower

As an infant my parents would often tell me the common tale of the Immortal Tower. A story of a human who was faced with death or the ability to avoid it forever cursed on top1

It was a story void of a moral and purpose but to covet what we have. I often enjoyed the tale for its mystery. No one alive today knows where the tower is, if it still stands, or even if the story is true. Our elders quote lines as if truth, parents pass it on to their children for lesson and nurturing, and my peers and I compared versions. The beginning depending on origins, the middle whether the man wished for immortality or not is disputed and often argued for fun. But we all agree on the end. The only way the human could regain their mortality was to jump from the tower. 2

Of course this is thought to be false. My people die on rare occasions but occasions nonetheless. But this of course is argued even more still. Scholars believe that the very tower must be in corporate. The tower binds us here still. If one should die it is because not enough of them can be recuperated, but this is rare. I do not know what I believe. Maybe there is no tower. Maybe we have always been different from our mortal cousins. The ones on high created us, to be as we are, for their purpose. It would not be the first time. Nor the last time that beings have held a myth to be oath. I don’t know whom to believe or if the tower ever existed. But I do know, that if I were given the choice, at its summit, I’d jump. 3

These thoughts ran circles around my conscious as I vainly tried to pay attention to the proceedings. The arch regent of our clan sprayed rose water over those kneeling in front of her. Psalms rang from her wrinkled throat barely filling the hall. I nodded off again against my will. It was so warm in the hall and the robes I had chosen to wear were for more cool conditions. But they were all I had. And her grace the archduchess, also known as my mami, ordered me to look presentable. The work that went into preparing me for this occasion ended in me being more painted than those we were here to celebrate. The ancient bell chimed the midday crossing. Just on time for the itching on my back from the ill-fitting material I wore. Mami glared at me as I fidgeted. I preferred the loose dark pants and flowing tunics to the starchy clothes I wore now.4

The couple stood and received the regents blessing. The union was finally over. Having begun several hours before, the bonding of my childhood guardian to an unknown girl was a tough moment to me. Belier had watched me grow and protected me from many dangers. From broken limbs and disgusting meals when I was young to conniving barons and prying maids who wished to weasel their way into royal politics. He was everything a young princess needed. Well not everything.5

It is customary that a guardian will swear his all from his princess’s life. From her infant years into her adulthood, he would stay by her side. He will know everything about her. Belier did that. He was awkward about it no doubt. I heard that other princess’ guardians would be present during bathing sessions, but when I suggested it, Belier seemed almost disgusted. He felt that it was improper for our relationship. 6

But guardian as not only supposed to give his life, but his heart as well. It does not always happen, but if a young royal has not chosen another suitor, he must.7

But I saw the way he looked to the nameless girl. His eyes would never do the same for me. He was a friend, very close and sincere, but even I could never see us as lovers. So I came to his bonding. I was not bitter; I had little need for protection. IN fact I was glad to be able to go about my own wiles and whims with out his shadow and supervision. But I was losing a friend. Many others I had but…8

“I hope you’re not going to cry and pine after him.”9

I turned around to see Aleksander staring intently at me. The little rebel had taken to this habit quite recently it was unnerving. But if there was one person I trusted to help me forget my loss, it was Alek. I turned to him and made my home in his torso. His arms wrapped around me loosely. I shook my head and sighed.10

“Of course not. I’m just going to miss him. Whom will I talk to now?”11

Alek made a slight noise in his throat. I knew that sound. It meant he disapproved of something. He pulled me closer, despite the fact of the archduchess being right next to us, and pulled me tighter. The grip of his hands on my hips brought butterflies to my stomach and made my temperature arise.12

“My dear, I can’t believe that you could forget about your biggest fan. Actually I feel that the removal of the man is a good thing.” Alek quickly reversed me then brought me back to him with fierceness. Mami simply eyed our position and muttered under her voice. Aleksander wasn’t her first choice for me, but she had to admit that his prestige and charm was admirable. Alek was flirtatious and familiar but he wasn’t serious about the two of us. If anything he was irritated with many things concerning my person. He usually had cause to complain about the way I was doing something or the decision I had recently made. He was caring and affectionate, but not looking to me as a mate.13

We looked on as the couple walked down the aisle in an embrace. She was all smiles and glowing. Belier’s regal pose was at his highest. His face displayed no emotion. We at last they came to the end of the aisle they kissed. I fidgeted. Alek squeezed me and rubbed his face against mine, “In time, my love. Your prince will come.” I knew that I would bond. I was charged with continuing the Chîtarde royal line. I the last of the heir who had not been banished, perished, or deserted into the morning sun. I had the weight of my people on my hands, for choosing a new line to rule was very tedious. Mami had been a small girl, 300 years ago, when they had chosen her family to take up the Chîtarde’s to rule. Our family was vast then. Filled to the brim with several heirs that coups were not too uncommon. But now it was small, with only one hundred members, Mami and I as the namesakes. But Mami, over three centuries old, will pass soon; so she says.14

But I doubt it. As a small crowd of my people crowded around the newly bonded, I looked to the ceiling. The mosaic told of my people’s ancient history. Over a millennium ago we had come to this place to be. While most clans made their home close to each other and focused on outdoing the other in architecture, which most original castles were destroyed in the first and second war and were turned to more spacious estates, my foremother had focused on providing for her people. She moved to a secluded area near a water source and plenty of feeding near us. Unlike many other clans, we did not force other races to work for us. Demons, humans, and sprites alike willingly helped us; though few humans know we are still active today. The wars did not affect us. We sheltered a few but mostly stayed away from the conflict. This is why, though the royals are few, our clan is the biggest and most prosperous. Our trade and commerce is above all in domestic goods. Our cultured is so defined and strong. I feel honored to be charged with the future of my clan.15

But as I look to future scenes of the great tiled ceiling I am reminded of my mother, and siblings. There is a sense of longing that goes with carrying the weight of your people on your shoulder. I will never be able to have the affairs I see many of my peers having. Just as I stand now, in horribly annoying robes, this is my life. Sure I want to do more. But my adventure must come from ruling and being there for the many families that make up our clan. When Mami is gone, the running of everything will fall to me. Already I am recording censuses and profit and debt. I meet with people with grievances and those who’ve been displaced by various happenings. In the castle, the main instruction for the staff comes from me. When the council needs permission or is briefing us on changes, I often go to hear them. They stop me through the castle, or here in the basilica, asking for wisdom. I have yet to reach my half-century birthday. Hell, I’m only twenty! But already so much falls to me. I carry my burden proudly and with a smile. But a burden it is still.16

The pressure of Alek’s hand on my breast brings me back to the here and now. He nibbled on my ear and whispered gossip about the ones below. 17

“..And did you see what that Couther girl was wearing. I swear if her bodice were any tighter, she might actually have a figure, not to mention she chose that skirt to show of her shaved lips.”18

I turned around and leaned against the wall, slowly undoing the extravagant dressings. First the elaborate bow, then the over tunic and its tassel, by the time I was able to see my neck and arms again, have my clothes had been taken off. All that remained now was the light spring peasant top, with its belt, and the thick skirt I had chosen.19

I spread my legs then lifted each respectively for Alek to remove the further bothering of the ridiculous get up.20

“When I get back, I’m having a few ceremonial robes custom made from comfortable and tasteful material.”21

“Better that Couther.”22

“And what did you mean by that? She doesn’t have a hairy upper lip.”23

Alek grinned taking off the last leg dressing and throwing it over his shoulder24