Clovers End - 19. A Contingency

James P.O.V

I wonder where Nephritis went off to. It's starting to get dark. The crystalline baby blue gradually fades into deep azure, eventually becoming a profane black, littered by thousands of iridescent pearls. Admittedly, it's a beautiful night, perfect for longs walks especially when one is trying to decongest one's mind. I breathe in the crisp air and decide to take the scenic route to the elder's house. One by one, mana crystals patterned throughout the village and amongst the trees of it's outskirts, begin to emit a blueish green. Within their generous hues, a figure emerges, nonchalantly resting upon an overhanging branch of a wither-fell tree. It's crooked posture and blackened leaves, give it the appearance of death, although, unlike the winter wrought trees around them it flourishes in the most unfavorable conditions. Strange, it's been a decade or so since these trees showed any sign of life. Could it be an omen of sorts?

“Ahh, James. It's good to see you. It's been a while” comes the distinct voice of a female. She hops off her sitting place and moves into the generous light. Her coppery curls bounce in tune with her confident step. Her freckles highlight the flecks of brown in her emerald eyes.

“Likewise. How are things?” I ask, inviting her to join me, feeling a tad bit awkward by the sudden intrusion.

“ You know, the usual, good but uneventful a bit boring, at least until you arrived. In fact, now that you showed up with that kid, things have really been spicing up around here.”

“How so?” I ask, trying to make polite conversation. There has always been a rivalry between us. The two of us were the strongest candidates to take on the role of head Alpha. She worked really hard for it and yet, I was chosen by the villager higher-ups. To some degree, I think she still resents me for it.

“There are a lot of rumors flying around about who he is. Like his scent isn't a dead give-away that he's Diana's kid. That boy is just as seductive in looks and smell as she was. Fresh meat always tastes the best.” she moans, biting her lip. I pass her a distasteful glance. A pang of jealousy, briefly makes it's presence known.

“Still as adventurous ever,” I say, trying to brush it off.

“Is that just a nice way of calling me a slut?” she remarks. hysterically, slapping me on the back “ Relax. Those days are behind me. You know I'm mated to Secre. I would never do anything to jeopardise what we have, alpha's honor. Even if I did, you know he would have my tits for it.”

I sigh in relief.

“He does have his quirks. As docile as the man is he can be quite terrifying when he wants to be.”

“You can say that again” she muses with a hint of a smirk “ It's actually one of the things I really love about him besides the fact that he really knows his way around the female form and boy does his plant make me blossom.”

“ Gross. What do you want Anria?”

“Hey. I know we're not exactly friends but you don't have to be rude.”

“You've never been this 'friendly' to me before so I think I have every right to be.”

“Good point.” she states “ Although, in these times, I think we need to put aside our differences because we have a common enemy and I do have something important to say. I've been given a mission by the higher-ups and I think this unfashionable virgin garment is supposed to keep things discreet and not in the fun way. You know how much I hate restrictive clothing. I detest looking like a nun.” She gestures to her clothes. From head to toe, she is draped in a pale cloak that almost blends in with the snow.

“I'm listening.”

“Not too long ago, I was approached by elder Nephritis. She asked me if I could make my way to our sister village, fill them in on everything that’s happened, including the likely return of the Clovers and the Descendant,” she says, pausing to make sure I caught everything thus far.

“Go on.” I urge.

“She also gave me a set of documents. Normally I wouldn't look at it but things seemed pretty serious and I hate being kept in the dark so I had a look. It was organising a contingency plan to get you and Alex out of here should we find ourselves in the worst situation. Basically, members of the sister village are meant to attend the mating ceremony and should the clovers show face, they are meant to take the two of you with them to their village ”

“That's crazy.”

“ That's not the last of it actually. Official documents are normally supposed to have signatures of all the elders. In this case, it was only hers that appeared.”

“ What was she thinking? Is she going behind everyone backs?”

“ I honestly don't know James. I have to go though. I just thought you might like to know so you don't get caught by surprise.”

“ Thank you Anria. It's probably not the right time to say it, but while I acknowledged you as a great fighter, I never wanted to compete with you for anything including the position for Head Alpha.”

“Really?” she asks studying me, sensing my sincerity.

“Oh fuck.” she laughs “ Now, I feel like an arse. It means our whole feud was for nought”

“Hey James. Despite what everyone else thinks, Alex isn't half bad.”

“You met him in person?”

“Oh yeah. He was working at Ivor's bakery under his supervision. Rachel was there too but the smell. I haven't smelt anything that good waft through the air in a long time. The place was packed come midday. Everyone there was shocked at first when they realised that he was making the goods. Naturally, people were hesitant and some outright left but at the end of the day, you should have seen the smiles on their faces. He was a sweetheart and I think most people could see it. He reminded me a lot of his mother when she was young. If you were ever worried about people accepting him, I'm sure he'll be just fine once they get to know him. Considering the controversial legacy Diana left behind, some people will probably need time.” She explains.

"Thank you Anria."

"Don't worry about it. Anyway, I have to get going but I'll see you around, okay. Maybe when I get back you can personally introduce me to him."