Kel Morgan's House

[Kel Morgan]

Kel and Aro enter the dusty and gloomy home.

"Cousin how long since you've been here?" Aro asks.

"Nearly two years." Kel repliesKel opens windows and starts cleaning up. He places his sword and shield in their rack by the door. "I never could stay here long after my parents died."

"Understandable." Aro says. "But this is dishonoring them by allowing their home to reach such waste." Aro helps clean. "Where should I put my things?"

"Upstairs the first door was my room growing up." Kel replies. "I will be in my parents room which is the third door. The second is the bathroom."

"Thanks. So what are we going to do for dinner?" Aro asks.

"I'll put something together from my pack." Kel says.

"Here unload this one too." Aro says. "It's food I brought along."

"Thanks." Kel says. Kel unloads the packs and prepares a simple stew. Aro takes his and Kel's things to their rooms and tidys upstairs. Aro then washes up and returns downstairs to eat.

"Smells good cousin." Aro says.

"Thanks. I have gotten better since I had to eat my cooking during my travels." Kel says. Someone knocks on the front door."Could you get that Aro?"

"Sure." Aro says. Aro opens the door to find an older Zexen woman. "May I help you miss?"

"Is Kel here?" the woman asks.She pushes past Aro and enters the Kitchen "Kel, oh Kel you returned and didn't come and tell me?"

"Aunt Martha?" Kel says. "I thought you moved to Vinay Del Zexay."

"I changed my mind." Martha replies. "I saw the windows open and had to investigate. Where did you go?"

Kel pulls the pot out of the fire. He carries it to the table that Aro is setting three places for. "I went to Dunan. I visited Two River City, Muse, and North Window Castle." Kel says. "I came back due to a spirit quest."

"More spirity nonsense. Just like your mother. Why my brother ever married her?" Martha helps herself to the stew. "Your cooking is better."

"Aunt Martha this is my cousin Aro." Kel says. "And it isn't nonsense. Mother saved your husband by following a spirits advise."

"Whatever you say." Martha says. "Aro nice to meet you. You are Karayan?"

"Yes madam." Aro says. "I am Kel's guide for this journey."

"Why does he need a guide?" Martha asks.

"He doesn't follow the ways." Aro says. "He needs to learn them to continue."

They finish the meal.

"Kel I expect you to come visit me at my shop." Martha says.

"I will." Kel replies. Martha leaves. Kel and Aro clean up and go to bed.

[Kel Morgan]

Kel awakens at dawn.

"It's much too early to be up." Kel moans. "That stupid training is still with me." Kel climbs out of bed and makes it. "Should probably practice my swordplay." Kel changes into yesterdays clothes, goes downstairs, retrieves his sword, and goes into the small enclosed back yard. "Good thing we cleaned this out yesterday." Kel starts his exercises going from one technique to the other flawlessly.

"Looking good cousin." Aro says. "I wandered when you were going to get up."

Kel finishes with a downslanting slash. "I just thought it'd be nice to sleep in but old habits die hard." Kel replies. "Do you need to practice?"

"Yes I do." Aro says. "After breakfast though. While I'm practicing you should go to your aunt's shop. Then when you get back we can train you in Karayan beliefs."

"Sounds like a plan to me." Kel says. "Let's eat." Kel and Aro enter the house and eat breakfast. Kel helps Aro clean up and then goes upstairs. Kel washes up, changes, and heads into the streets.

[Kel Morgan]

Kel enters the house and places the chest and bag on the floor.

"What is that?" Aro asks as he comes down the stairs.

"Aunt Martha sent some things to bring life back into the house." Kel replies. "Should we start unloading it or wait till after the lesson. Martha is coming over and she's making dinner."

"A true Zexen meal?" Aro sighs. "Looks like bland cooking for tonight. Let's get this done first." Kel and Aro unpack the bag and chest. They put things away, change out the bedding, put up the nick-nacks on shelves and table tops not occupied, hang the wall decorations, plant the seeds, and finally do the laundry. "All done."

Kel looks around in amazement. "It's almost exactly like I remeber it." he says. "The house is finally a home again."

"Yes it is a wonderful change." Aro says. "When the seeds grow in the whole effect will be amazing. Now it's time to train."

"Alright." Kel says. Kel joins Aro on the livingroom floor and they began practicing rituals "The incense is really strong."

"Stop complaining and just pay attention." Aro scolds. "I am still your elder if only by four years."

"Yes sir." Kel replies. They finish the training with a few hours until Martha comes. "Should we go to the Library and see what they have that is new?"

"Sounds good." Aro says. "Though their are more books in your living room than in the whole Karayan Village. Too bad they are mostly on combat."

"What do expect from career knights?" Kel laughs. "Romance tales?"

"No, I was thinking adventure. The only books not on combat are history, math, and language." Aro says.

"My parents wanted me to learn." Kel replies. They leave the house.

[Kel Morgan]

Kel and Aro return and go to the living room to read.

"Man this is interesting." Kel mumbles."Never seen a sword move like that."

"Kel, stop muttering and just read." Aro says.

"Sorry." Kel replies.

They read till Kel hears a knock at the door.

[Kel Morgan]

Kel answers the door.

"Hello Aunt Martha, cousin Jorgan." Kel says. "Come on in."They enter and Martha heads straight for the kitchen with a bag.

"We'll have dinner within the hour." Martha calls from the kitchen.

"Sounds good." Kel replies. "So Jorgan what are you up too now a days?"

"Not much I am assistant librarian at Budehuc Castle." Jorgan says. "Though mother is still more proud of you and your time as a knight."

"I'm sorry Jorgan, she probably just doesn't get how you can be a librarian with such an athletic build. Are you still going to take over the store when she passes?"

"She'll probably outlive me." Jorgan smiles. "Yes I plan to own it but run it from home."

"Sounds good. Come meet my Cousin Aro." Kel says.

"You have another cousin?" Jorgan asks.

"Found that out during the war." Kel says. "Then I left so I didn't get to telling everyone." Kel leads Jorgan into the living-room.

"Aro this is my cousin Jorgan." Kel says.

"Nice to meet you Jorgan." Aro replies.

"Same to you." Jorgan says. "You're full Karayan am I correct?"

"Yes you are." Aro smiles. "Kel's mother and my mother were half sisters."

"I see." Jorgan replies. "Ah I see you're reading my newest book. Do you like so far?"

"Do I ever." Aro replies. "Your characters are very believable."

"Thank you I base them off people I know." Jorgan says. "Kel is actually my inspiration for the villain in this novel."

"I'm what?!" Kel asks. "Why am I the villain?"

"Because Lord Thomas is my basis for the hero." says Jorgan. "You are a character in most of my books. And you're usually a villain or a lackey."

"I see." says Kel. "At least some part of me is in there."

"I totally see it now." Aro laughs. "Eyes greener than jealousy, hair redder than blood, and a heart of steel. It is totally you Kel."

"My hair isn't redder than blood." Kel replies.

"Wow, I thought you'd argue about the heart part." Jorgan says.

"My heart is steel when it needs to be." Kel says.

"Just don't make it permanent." Aro replies.

"Dinner's ready!" Martha calls.

They all go into the kitchen and sit down to eat.

"Aunt Martha did you know that Jorgan put me in some of his novels?" Kel asks.

"Yes, I'm usually the villain's idiot girlfriend, a witch, or an non-important character." Martha says. "At least your character always gets something to say."

"Mother you know that I can't show favoritism." Jorgan says. "The characters need shuffled and sometimes they fit better in certain roles. You aren't in the last book."

"I noticed but I'm glad you have a passion my son." Martha says. "Aro, what do you think?"

"Not as bland as I was expecting." Aro says. Aro notices Martha's glare. "I mean since Karayan's love spices. Most Zexen's don't use as much as you do. It's the best Zexen meal I've ever had."

"Thank you Aro." Martha smiles. "As good as you remember Kel?"

"Oh the memories were a let down to the real thing." Kel says.

"Good to hear." Martha says. "Jorgan do you like it and when do you return to Budeja?"

"Mother you know your meals are always the best to me and it is Budehuc. I leave in the morning." Jorgan says.

"Budedus? Budehuc? Budeja?" Martha scolds. "Why is the name so difficult?"

"It's really not all that hard." Jorgan says. "Right Kel?"

"It took me months there to stop calling it Budeic." Kel replies. "What about you Aro?"

"I always called it Lake castle." Aro says.

"See Jorgan it isn't that easy." Martha replies. "I will just call it Lake castle as well. Anyone want more."

"Stuffed." Kel, Jorgan, and Aro say in unison.

"Good, Kel help me clean up." Martha says. "Jorgan help Aro bring wood in for the fire tonight. It is still too early to not have a fire at night."

"Yes madam," they say in unison.

Jorgan and Aro go get wood and start the fire. Kel helps Martha clean up.

"So Kel, are you planning on settling down anytime soon?" Martha asks.

"Depends on many things Aunt Martha." Kel replies. "No match making from you."

"I never matchmake." Martha says. "That's what my 'friends' are for." They both laugh.

"I have a lot to do." Kel says.

"I know, just don't rule it out." Martha says.

"I won't." Kel says.

"Did Jorgan tell you he's getting married next spring?" Martha asks.

"He didn't even mention it." Kel says. "Why wouldn't he say anything?"

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said anything." Martha says.

"No tell me." Kel demands.

"He's marrying Gina Stoller." Martha sighs. "She couldn't wait for you to come back."

"I didn't expect her to." Kel sighs. "I just never expected she would go for Jorgan. She was my first love, but good for them."

"Jorgan went after her, but glad you think so." Martha says. "I wasn't sure how'd you react. I know Gina meant a lot to you."

"She still does." Kel says. "But ruining her plans would add another injustice to my name."

"Maybe, maybe not." Martha says. "Gina will return from Vinay del Zexay tomorrow. I could tell her you're back."

"If you want too." Kel says. "It might be best for me not to see her. That way the old feelings won't regain strength."

"You'll have to see her sooner or later." Martha says. "You will have to come to the wedding."

"I can avoid her for a year with work." Kel says.

"Do that and I'll tie you up and drag you to her home." Martha says. "I really like the girl, but I like her for you more than for Jorgan. He's to passive she'll control his whole life."

"She can be demanding, he just needs to put his foot down." Kel says. "Avoiding her would be an injustice to the past too. I need to settle things with her to clear it up." Kel feels approval from somewhere. "Did you fill that?"

"Fill what?" Martha asks.

"Nothing." Kel replies. "So who do your 'friends' like for Jorgan?"

"Lexy Dell, she's one of the assistant librarians here at the castle." Martha says. "She is just at Jorgan's level in control."

"Sounds good, why didn't it happen? I mean Jorgan is twenty-five he should have been married by now." Kel asks.

"He started spending time with Gina." Martha scowls. "He even convinced her not to go chasing after you."

"Did he now?" Kel says. "Guess I really need to see her."

"You do." Martha looks in Kel's eyes. "You just don't want to hurt Jorgan or Gina do you?"

"You're right I don't." Kel says. "But what if I find I can't live without her?"

"Then go for it." Martha smiles.

Kel raises his eyebrow."Your 'friends' are up to something." Kel says.

"Lexy is at Lake castle right now." says Martha. "She is learning their way of cataloging since it is better than what they use here. If romance stirs while they're there?"

"I see." Kel smirks. "And I will be here with Gina?"

"Maybe." Martha smiles. "All done. See you later love."

"Goodbye." Kel says.

Martha and Jorgan leave.

[Kel Morgan]

Kel enters the living-room

"Did you have a good chat with your aunt?" Aro asks. "Because I sure did with your cousin."

"I learned a lot." Kel replies. "Let's play chess and share info."

"Sounds good." Aro says. Kel and Aro sit down and start the game. "Jorgan said he's marrying your childhood sweetheart."

"Aunt Martha told me." Kel says. "I wish Jorgan had. Martha plans to set him up with someone else and wants me to go after Gina."

"Wouldn't that damage your standing for the spirit quest?" Aro asks. "Good move."

"Thanks. No it wouldn't." Kel says. Aro raised his eyebrow. "Really it won't. I felt an extreme sense of approval from somewhere when I decided to settle things with her. She returns tomorrow."

They play in silence for some minutes. Kel continues to seem out of it.

"Then your aunt lied to Jorgan." Aro says. "She told him that Gina was returning next week. It is good that you felt that. It means that your Karayan senses are awakening."

"I see." says Kel. "Check mate."

"What?!" Aro looks at the board. "Even distracted and I'm still no match for you."

"Sorry." Kel replies. "Should we go to bed?"

"Yes." Aro says. "I don't want to lose again when I should win."

Kel and Aro lock up the house and head upstairs to sleep.

[Kel Morgan]

Kel lies in the dark thinking.

"What should I do? What should I say?" Kel wonders. "Is this really right?"

The strong spirit enters.

"Kel." The spirit says. "You need to calm down. Just be yourself."

"Whoa." Kel sputters. "W-Where did you come from?"

"I said I would be with you." The spirit replies. "Now you're making good progress. The house is a big step and Gina will be another."

"But what do I do if I find I still love her?" Kel asks. "And what am I supposed to call you?"

"You must decide about Gina on your own." the spirit says. "I know you will make the right choice. You can call me Nolan."

"Well Nolan thanks for the vote of confidence." Kel shrugs. "Now I just need to sleep. Unless you have more to tell me."

"You are close to halfway completed with my test." Nolan says. "That is all. Now sleep." Nolan waves his hand over Kel's head.

"What do you mean...?" Kel falls asleep.

"You really don't seem like the others I tested." Nolan sighs. "Maybe after this I can finally rest."

Nolan returns to the shield.

[Kel Morgan]

Kel wakes shortly before dawn. And runs to Aro's room.

"Aro!" Kel pounds on Aro's door. "Can I come in?"

"Yes, just stop that banging." Aro yells. Kel enters and Aro sits up in bed. "Now what was so important?"

"The spirit visited me again and then put me to sleep." Kel says.

"Really?!" Aro says. "I didn't sense any spirit activity. This must be and extremely powerful being. What'd he tell you?"

"He said his name is Nolan." Kel replies. "He also told me that the house is done, I must deal with Gina, I will make the right choice when dealing with her, and that I am almost half-way done with the quest."

"Interesting." Aro says. "Well since you are going to be waiting for Gina most the day we'll just skip the training today. Now get out of here and do your weapons training."

"Alright then I'll get out of your hair." Kel smiles.

Kel runs back to his room and gets changed then runs downstairs and starts his weapon exercise. Aro sits in thought in his room.

"How could I have not sensed the spirit?" Aro asks the wind coming through his window. "Alia is one of the few even close to my ability. I am strong enough to replace the Mystic when he passes and I could not sense a strong spirit in the same building as me. I must research this." Aro gets up and goes to his bag. He pulls out two old and worn books. "Maybe one of these holds the answer."

Aro washes up and gets dressed. He then carries the books to the livingroom. Aro then goes and prepares breakfast. Kel enters the kitchen.

"Oh Aro that smells wonderful." Kel says.

"Thank you Kel." Aro says. "Now eat up then get ready and go wait for the girl."

"What will you be doing?" Kel asks.

"Research and no questions about it please." Aro says.

They eat and then clean up. Aro goes to the livingroom and starts reading through the first book. Kel cleans himself up and then heads out.

[Kel Morgan]

Kel enters the house and finds Aro reading his book.

"So you give up already?" Aro asks.

"No, I saw her and then she yelled at me." Kel says. "I yelled back and walked away. She then chased me into the library yelled at me again and will probably come here soon and try yelling at me again."

"I see." Aro stiffles a laugh. "Well what are you going to do?"

"I'm going to practice the new moves from that book." Kel walks outside and starts practing the new moves starting with the easiest and moving towards the hardest.

"Poor guy." Aro says. Aro goes back to reading.

[Kel Morgan]

An hour later Aro hears a pounding at the door.

"I'm coming he calls." Aro marks his place and walks toward the door. "Yes may I help you?"

"WHAT?!" Gina shouts. "I'm sorry good sir I must be at the wrong place. Isn't this still Kel Morgan's house?"

"Please don't shout." Aro says. "Yes this is Kel Morgan's house. I am his cousin Aro. Now who are you and how can I help you?"

"Sorry about that." Gina says. "I am Gina Stoller an old friend of Kel's and I would like to speak with him."

"I'm not sure he wants to speak to you." Aro replies. "He came home in quite a mood and has been working out ever since."

"Yes about that." Gina smiles. "It was a misunderstanding. I just hadn't realized how much anger I still had for him after all this time. Please allow me to come in and apologize."

"I guess." Aro says. "But if I hear and arguing..." Aro pulls out a knife. "I will make you leave."

"Understood." Gina swallows. "S-So may I pass."

"Go ahead." Aro says. Aro goes back to reading and Gina enters the little backyard.

[Kel Morgan]

Kel sees Gina and finishes the last move in the book.

"That was wonderful." Gina says.

"Oh, so you're going to be civil now?" Kel asks sarcastically.

"Yes!" Gina breathes. "Oh, your Karayan told me to play nice or he'd make me leave. He even told me he was your cousin."

"He is." Kel says. "His mother and my mother were half-sisters."

"I didn't know your mother had any family." Gina says.

"Nor did I until the war." Kel replies. "So I'm sorry about leaving and not saying goodbye."

"I'm sorry I didn't go after you." Gina says. "I know you would have let me. I shouldn't have listened to Jorgan, but at least he wouldn't leave me."

"You think I wanted too?" Kel asks.

"No, I know you had too." Gina replies. "Things were hard after the war. I don't even know exactly when I felt affection toward Jorgan."

"He's too passive for you." Kel says.

"You sound like your Aunt Martha." Gina says. "He does lack your backbone but he is a good man."

"One that will be unhappy with you." Kel says.

"AND what makes you say that?" Gina yells.

"Kel do I need to remove your guest?" Aro calls from the house.

"No Aro. I can handle her." Kel calls back. "You would make him lose himself. Your presence is much stronger and would suck him in destroying the great person he is."

"Oh and I suppose you would be better." Gina says.

"Not me per say." Kel replies. "I think you need a man with more backbone so your relationship can be a partnership." Kel steps closer to Gina. "You must concede that he doesn't fight with you."

"Yes we don't fight." Gina says. "But that could be seen as a good relationship." Gina backs into the yard wall.

"Every true relationship has arguments." Kel says. Kel gets real close to Gina. He is basically face to face. "You must find what you have with him boring."

"Yes sometimes I do." Gina says.

"I bet he doesn't invoke the feelings I did." Kel turns away and places his sword in its scabbard. "I still love you Gina."

"I love you too." Gina says. "But Jorgan..."

"But Jorgan what?" Kel says. "Aunt Martha and her 'friends" have a woman up in Budehuc Castle that is perfect for him."

"How do you know that?" Gina asks.

"Martha told me." Kel says. "I love you with all my heart and I know you feel the same."

"Yes but I swore to Jorgan..." Gina sighs. "I swore an empty promise. I never planned to go through with it. I was planning to leave before the wedding."

"And go where?" Kel asks. "To find me?"

"Yes. And find out why you left." Gina says. "I couldn't forget your love for me or mine for you. I also knew you wouldn't just leave without good reason. So what was the reason?"

"I lost faith in Zexen and myself." Kel says. "I didn't want you to see me that way." Gina walks up to Kel and hugs him.

"I wouldn't have thought less of you." Gina says.

"I see that now." Kel replies. They kiss. "Now what are we to do about Jorgan?"

"We'll worry about that later." Gina smiles. "Now we have alot of catching up to do and you smell worse than a rotting horse."

"That I do." Kel laughs.

Gina puts Kel's sword away and then starts dinner. Kel goes upstairs to clean himself up.

[Kel Morgan]

Aro finished the first old book before he interrupted Kel and Gina. He then found his answer in the first chapter of the second old book.

"A spirit that once held the power of a true rune can have amazing abilities." Aro reads aloud. "They can even hide themselves from a powerful spirit sensitive. That's it."

Aro reads the rest of the chapter and then puts both books away upstairs.

"I must tell Kel about this soon." Aro says. "But I won't ruin his conversation." Aro then hears Kel and Gina enter the house. He hears Kel's footsteps come upstairs and enter the bathroom. Aro leaves his room and enters the bathroom. "Kel you and I need to talk."

"Aro what are you doing?" Kel stands there in is birthday suit just starting to bath. "Can't it wait?"

"No it can't and don't act so modest we had to share the rivers and streams plenty of times during the war." Aro sits on the toilet. "Now I didn't sense the spirit you said visited you. That doesn't mean he didn't appear though."

"How could that be?" Kel continues bathing. "You are one of the strongest in the whole Karayan tribe. That is why I went to you for help."

"The spirit held a true rune in life." Aro says. "It also had to die still bearing the rune. That is the only way it is strong enough to mask its presence."

"Why would it want me then?" Kel asks.

"I'm not sure but I suggest he look into it." Aro says. "Tomorrow we go through the library here. If we don't find anything we go to Budehuc. I know the library in Vinay Del Zexay is off limits to us both. If still no luck we head to Duck Village. If after all that we still don't have an answer we will break into the Zexen Guild Hall and look for ourselves."

"That's crazy." Kel says. "Could you hand me that towel." Aro hands Kel the towel and Kel drys himself off. He then starts to get dressed. "The Guild Hall would be close to impossible for us to get into."

"I'll worry about that later." Aro says. "First the easy libraries."

"Alright but Gina will insist she comes along." Kel says.

"I thought she might." Aro says. "Let's eat and tell her all the facts."

They head downstairs.

[Kel Morgan]

Kel and Aro enter the dining room just as Gina finishes setting the table.

"We need to talk." Kel says.

"I see." Gina replies. Gina serves Kel, then Aro, then herself. "What do we need to talk about?"

"Our plans for the foreseeable future." Aro says around a mouthful of food. "I must say your cooking is much better than Martha's."

"Thank you Aro." Gina smiles. "So what is it about the future?"

"We need to look up some stuff and it might require travel." Kel says. "As well as some unlawful activity."

"Travel I can handle just fine." Gina says. "But how unlawful?"

"Breaking into the Guild Hall library." Aro says.

"Why break in?" Gina says. "I can get in with ease. My father is still an important man in Vinay Del Zexay. He might make it to the ruling counsel yet."

"Good for us then." Aro says.

"So what are we looking up?" Gina asks.

"Well...." Kel says. Kel relates his tale from the first vision to now. "That's about it."

"Chasing fairy-tales again?" Gina sighs. "Alright I'll be there at the library in the morning."

"Good." Kel and Aro say.

They eat and then Gina cleans up and leaves. Kel and Aro lock up and go to bed.

[Kel Morgan]

Kel is walking through a burning village.

"What is happening?" Kel calls. He sees unknown soldiers charging a family. The family is struck down. "No!" Kel runs at the soldiers with sword in hand. He slashes at the closest man and his weapon passes right through. "What happened?"

Nolan appears. "This is the massacre of Brunte Village. It happened not far from here about the time Harmonia formed. I'm that little boy hiding under my dead father." Nolan says.

"This is awful why are they attacking?" Kel asks.

"They wanted our land and our treasure." Nolan sighs. "As I know your cousin has surmised I bore a true rune. That was the treasure of my people. I can't tell you more since part of the trail is to find it on your own."

"You've given alot already." Kel says. "They name of the village and the approximate time will help a lot."

"Wish I could do more." Nolan vanishes. Kel watches the destruction continue for what seems like hours. He awakens in a sweat.

The sun is shinning. "Aro, Aro wake up." Kel yells as he stumbles around getting dressed. "Aro we must speak." Kel runs from his room into Aro's and pulls the blankets off him. "Aro! Why aren't you in the pajamas Aunt Martha sent? Sleeping naked is not something I thought you'd do."

"Sorry Kel." Aro gets up and dresses. "Those pajamas are too itchy so I decided to sleep like I do on the plains in my home. Now what was so important?"

"He visited me again. This time in a dream." Kel says. "I have information that will help us."

"Then let's eat and go to the library." Aro says.

They go downstairs and eat. Then they head off to the library after locking the house.

[Kel Morgan]

Kel and Aro enter and rush to pack.

"I think that's everything." Kel says. "What about you?"

"I think so" Aro says. "Shouldn't we say something to Martha?"

"You're right." Kel says "Let's go."

They leave the house and Kel adjusts his equipment and locks the door. They head off toward the item shop.