Ixartxist awoke early in the morning, the first rays of sunlight filtering through the curtains, casting a gentle glow across the room. As he rubbed the sleep from his eyes, he was surprised to find Tassa standing on the balcony, her gaze fixed upon the horizon. Curiosity piqued, he made his way towards her, his steps purposeful yet filled with concern.
"That's strange, my love," he spoke softly, his voice laced with a hint of worry. "It's early five in the morning. Why are you awake so early? Is there something wrong? Is there something bothering you? Please, tell me, my Tassa."
Tassa's eyes remained fixed on the sky, a distant look in her gaze. "I know it sounds strange, Xart," she began, her voice tinged with a mixture of confusion and longing. "But I feel like I have lost someone. It's as if there's a void in my heart, a missing piece of the puzzle. I can't quite understand these emotions, Xart. I had a dream, or perhaps a memory, but it slips through my fingers like sand."
Ixartxist's curiosity grew, his desire to unravel the mystery that plagued Tassa intensifying. "What was it about, my Tassa?" he inquired, his voice filled with a genuine yearning to help her find the answers she sought.
A look of frustration crossed Tassa's face as she replied, "I can't remember, no matter how hard I try. But I feel it deep within me, a sense of importance, a connection to something or someone. But what is it, Xart? What am I forgetting?"
In that moment, determination filled Ixartxist's eyes. He knew that he had to help Tassa unravel the mystery that haunted her. With gentle resolve, he scooped her up in his arms and carried her back to her bed, tucking her in with utmost care.
"Rest now, my love," he whispered, his voice a soothing melody. "Tomorrow, we will embark on a journey to find the answers you seek. I promise you, we will uncover the truth, and I will be by your side every step of the way. But for now, let sleep embrace you, and may it bring you clarity."
With a tender kiss upon her forehead, Ixartxist prepared to leave her side. However, Tassa's voice stopped him in his tracks. "Where are you going?" she asked, her voice filled with a mix of confusion and longing.
Ixartxist turned back to face her, a gentle smile gracing his lips. "I'm just going to the bathroom, my Tassa," he replied, his voice warm and reassuring. "But I'll be back before you know it."
As he made his way to the bathroom, Tassa's mind whirled with thoughts and questions. "What was that?" she wondered aloud. "Did someone I know kiss me on my forehead too? Why do I feel like I'm forgetting them? No, why do I feel like I'm forgetting him? But who?"
Moments later, Ixartxist emerged from the bathroom, his presence bringing a sense of calm to the room. "You're still awake?" he questioned, a mixture of surprise and concern in his voice. "What is it, my Tassa? Is there something on your mind?"
Tassa's voice took on a different tone as she asked a seemingly random question. "Xart, do dicks have bones and joints?" Her words hung in the air, the unexpected nature of the question causing a shift in the atmosphere.
Ixartxist's face darkened, a shadow passing over his features. He approached her bed solemnly, his gaze fixed on the floor. "Where did that question come from?" he asked, his voice tinged with a hint of discomfort.
Tassa's response was filled with innocence and curiosity. "It just suddenly popped into my head, and I found myself wanting to know the answer. So tell me, Xart, do dicks have bones and joints?"
Ixartxist walked towards her bed, his movements measured and deliberate. He sat down on the floor, his eyes avoiding hers. "You mean, my dick?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. Confusion clouded Tassa's features as she tried to comprehend his reaction. "Why? Is your dick different from all the other guys'?"
Ixartxist didn't respond, his silence speaking volumes. He turned away from her, covering himself with a blanket as he settled down to sleep on the floor. "You'll know when you see one," he finally replied, his voice tinged with a mix of frustration and restraint. "But for now, let's leave that topic aside."
Tassa was left bewildered by his reaction, her mind filled with a whirlwind of thoughts and questions. She lay back on her bed, her gaze fixed upon the ceiling, her voice barely above a whisper. "Xart?"
He turned to face her, his expression guarded. "Yes, my Tassa? What is it?"
"Why are you sleeping on the floor when you have your own room?" she asked, her voice filled with a mix of curiosity and concern. "Don't tell me you're scared to sleep alone."
Ixartxist's anger flared, his emotions getting the better of him. He stood up abruptly, his pillow in hand, his voice laced with annoyance. "Never mind that," he snapped, his tone sharp. "I'll just go now. Goodnight, Tassa."
With those words, he stormed out of the room, making his way to his own bedroom. Anger burned within him, a fire fueled by frustration and a sense of betrayal. "Oh, that foolish Tassa," he muttered to himself. "Just wait until you regain your memory. You'll beg for me to stop tearing your life apart."
Flute'agon, the enigmatic observer, perched in the ethereal realm of the Qiasjolque, watched intently as the intricate threads of fate wove their tapestry. A mischievous glint danced in his eyes as he contemplated the unfolding events. "Oh, how fascinating," he whispered to himself. "Quart—slash Tassa—already senses the absence of a vital connection. My dear little brother, he possesses a keen insight into the workings of the world. The anticipation of their love story fills me with excitement. And the obstacles they must surmount... How will Ixartxist navigate these treacherous waters? Will he extend his helping hand or conceal her from the world? I am eager to witness the choices he will make."
Meanwhile, Nia'le, accompanied by Calguas, embarked on a somber pilgrimage to the cliff where Céline's earthly remains found their resting place. As they reached the hallowed ground, a wave of bittersweet nostalgia washed over Nia'le, his heart heavy with sorrow. Tears welled up in his eyes as he gazed upon the serene landscape that held memories of their once harmonious home. "This place," he murmured, his voice tinged with melancholy, "It brings back such deep memories. It's hard to believe that our home—our safe place, our family—has been torn apart by the cruel hands of fate." Nia'le's gaze lifted towards the heavens, his eyes shimmering with a blend of sorrow and acceptance.Tassa is finally free and with the one she loves. Céline has found peace and everything she wished for. They both got what they wanted, but they will always be my family—a family I couldn't protect." Kneeling before Céline's final resting place, Nia'le wept, his voice trembling with remorse. "I'm sorry, Céline, for not being good enough.."
Meanwhile, Ixartxist and Tassa found solace in each other's company, their shared meal a respite from the tumultuous world around them. As they sat together, Tassa's perceptive gaze swept across the room, noticing the conspicuous absence of their three devoted maids. A flicker of concern crossed her features, and she turned to Ixartxist, her voice laced with genuine curiosity and care. "Xart, where have our three maids gone?" she inquired, her eyes searching his face for answers.
Ixartxist paused, his hand momentarily stilling its motion towards his plate. A solemn expression settled upon his features as he met Tassa's inquisitive gaze. "They are no longer in our service," he responded, his voice tinged with no hint of sorrow. "Regrettably, they caused harm to someone of utmost importance to me. Thus, I was compelled to sever their ties with us. Please, my love, let us focus on the present moment and savor this meal before it grows cold."
Tassa felt a familiar surge of conflicting emotions rising within her, a mixture of anger and resentment towards Ixartxist's actions. However, she understood that expressing her anger in that moment would only fuel the flames of discord. Though aware of the lives he had extinguished, just as he had done in the past, she chose to suppress her anger for the time being. Instead, she redirected the conversation, seeking solace in a different topic. "Xart," she began, her voice tinged with a touch of wistfulness, "Have you ever stood at the edge of a cliff and looked out at the wide open space below? Have you seen a big waterfall that connects to the open sea?"
Ixartxist's gaze softened, understanding the underlying implications of her question. He nodded, a somber smile playing upon his lips. "I have seen many cliffs in my life," he replied, his voice carrying a hint of melancholy. "But I think I understand the cliff you are thinking about. Would you like to go there with me, Tassa?"
Tassa's eyes remained averted, her gaze fixed on the floor, her heart heavy with the burden of the truth she had discovered—that Ixartxist had once again taken a life. Ever since she was young, she had known that Ixartxist was committing heinous crimes, but she forgave him. Just one little mistake. Then he would take their maid's life. Still, she pretended not to notice and closed her eyes to what was happening. That is also why she thought the infinite night might suit her—because she was pretending not to see the crime, just to keep her beloved's reputation clean. She struggled to meet his gaze, the conflict within her soul threatening to consume her. "Will you accompany me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Ixartxist's response was immediate and resolute, his voice filled with determination and remorse. "I will be by your side, my love," he assured her, his words carrying the weight of his commitment. Yet, Tassa refrained from smiling or acknowledging his pledge, her gaze remaining lowered, unable to confront the darkness that resided within him—the knowledge that he had, once again, extinguished a life.
Flute'agon and his mischievous little brother reveled in the jubilant atmosphere of the Qiasjolque, their laughter echoing through the ethereal realm. Flute'agon couldn't help but be intrigued by his brother's insights into Ixartxist's motivations. "Indeed," he agreed, a playful glint in his eyes. "Ixartxist may not possess a benevolent nature, but-but his love for Quart runs deep. He believes that Quart reciprocates those feelings, which-which is why he is determined to aid her in retrieving her lost memories. And if Quart were to choose Nia'le over him, he would-would likely let her go, accepting it as the ebb and flow of life. 'Je n'aime pas ça, mais je le ferai de toute façon' Or, as they say in Spanish, 'No me gusta, pero lo haré de todos modos.' "
FRENCH: 'Je n'aime pas ça, mais je le ferai de toute façon'- "I don't like it, but I will do it anyway."
SPANISH: 'No me gusta, pero lo haré de todos modos'-"I don't like it, but I will do it anyway."
With those words, his little brother bid him farewell, leaving Flute'agon to ponder the situation at hand. A mischievous smile tugged at his lips as he contemplated the unfolding drama. "Is he showing off his new language skills?" Flute'agon chuckled to himself. "Little does he know that I possess more capabilities than he realizes."
With a mischievous glimmer in his eyes, Flute'agon turned his attention back to the mortal realm, eager to observe the intricate dance of emotions and choices that awaited Quart, Ixartxist, and Nia'le.