Sister Races - A rambly thing

“This visitation was unanticipated.” Jarral looked up from his books, fixing his father with that blank, cool stare of his.

The older man bowed his head, clasping and unclasping his hands agitatedly.

“Why are you here?” Jarral asked, blunt and to the point as always.

Web exhaled and moved a little closer. “I needed to speak to someone and I… I thought you would understand.”

The younger male tilted his head and slowly rose from his seat.

“Something you could not tell your brothers… nor your lover? Can I safely assume this is to do with your ailment?” His voice betrayed no concern, but Web had over the years grown used to his son’s closed nature.

“How do you know?”

“I asked the shadows to watch you, ensure you were safe.” Jarral paused, noting the look of surprise in his father’s eyes. “You need not look so shocked. I have told you before I have no desire to see you harmed. “

“No, but… you’ve been spying on me?”

“No, the shadows were instructed only to report back If there was anything to warrant concern. You hide it admirably, but you are not well father.”

Web lowered his head, unable to meet Jarral’s eyes.

“That is why you are here?” Jarral approached, long robes trailing behind him. “Then speak, I will listen.”

A sad smile crossed Web’s face, he nodded. “Thank you.”

Jarral led his father across the room and indicated he should take a seat in a simple but comfortable armchair. He settled himself into a chair opposite and watched the man patiently.

Web wasn’t sure where to begin, he ummed and ahhed, looking everywhere except into the ghoulish face opposite.

Jarral waited, the only sound the soft whispering of the shadows around them.

“you seem happy here.” Web stalled.

“I am content. “ Jarral responded flatly. “And I am busy.” The final word was emphasised, pale eyes never shifting from his father’s nervous face.

Web nodded again, taking off his glasses and beginning to polish them on his shirt tails.
“I’m sorry, it’s just… this isn’t easy.” He sighed. “You’re right, I’m not well. My mind is… deteriorating. I can’t remember things so easily, I find myself confused and disoriented, unable to understand what those around me are saying even. It’s terrifying, and the Scribes are starting to notice. Kaliyani is worried, I know she is, but she daren’t say anything. I see it in her eyes when she speaks to me, she thinks I’m fragile. Broken.”  He closed his eyes. “I’m scared. Not for myself but for what happens when my mind is completely lost to me. If I can’t think clearly, how can I lead my people?”

Jarral listened quietly through all this, when Web finished, the younger man paused a moment to think before responding. “You feel you are becoming a burden?”

Web nodded. “I know I am. I’m unfit to lead.”

“Then abstain. “ Jarral’s tone was abrupt and to the point.

Web frowned. “I can’t, you know that as well as I do. Who’d take my place? You’ve already written yourself out of inheritance, my brother would sooner drag his family through hell than return to the underground. It’s just…  “

“You did not come here to discuss your heir did you?” Jarral had spent many years by his father’s side, long before he knew he even was his father. He recognised that expression of guilt, that crack in his voice when he wasn’t telling the whole truth.

Web sighed. “Yes… I lied. I…  I’m scared for myself.” His voice faltered. “I… I don’t know how long I have before I lose my mind completely. I’ll forget those I love, everything that makes me who I am, I can’t… I can’t stand the thought of what I’ll become.” Tears threatened, he wiped his eyes with the back of one hand and put his glasses back on.

“I cannot do it.” Jarral responded quickly.

“I didn’t even ask… “

“You do not have to. I can see it in your face. You have become a burden, by the law of the People you cannot live.”

Web could no longer fight the tears. “It feels so cowardly.”

Jarral shook his head. “It is right. “ He hesitated. “But not yet. You know as well as I the impact your death will have, with no clear heir to inherit, the Elders will take the opportunity to usurp rule.”

“put a puppet in charge…” Web nodded. “I know. Kaliyani has been scouring the family trees for months now, I never told her why. Just that I wanted her to find an heir the Elders could not deny.”

The faintest hint of a smile played at the edges of Jarral’s lips. “I am impressed. I shall see what I can do to assist. The archives here are far greater than any your Scribes have access to. “

“I thought you were busy?”

“The continued safety of the people is more important. “

“You still feel kinship despite your exile?”

“No.”

“Then why?”

“It matters to the Free Kevali, it matters to the gods.” He paused, a sly smirk forming. “And it foils the Elders plans.”

Web found himself edging back slightly, he’d never seen the other man so much as smile, the expression was unsettling.
“So this is about petty vengeance?”

“I would prefer to call it justice.”

“However you rationalise it… thank you.”

“Once your heir is found, there is still the matter of your goodbyes. “

“I don’t…”

“They deserve to know.” Jarral’s tone was firm.

“They’ll try to talk me out of it.”

“Which is why you came to me?”

Web nodded. “I knew you wouldn’t let sentiment cloud your judgement.”

“you are wrong.”

“I don’t understand… you said you would help me.”

“I will help you find an heir, but I will not help you to end your life. “

Web frowned, confused. “Because I’m your father?”

“Because Zach would never forgive me.”

Web wasn’t entirely sure how to respond to that. His lover, the human Zach had always had a unique bond with Jarral. The two seemed to understand one another better than anyone else, and he was still the only person Web had seen Jarral show true compassion toward. The only person he really trusted. Perhaps in another life he’d have been envious of the relationship his son and lover had, maybe even here and now there was a pang of jealousy. He bit back an indignant response, but he could tell his silence was just as damning.

“I am sorry father. “ Jarral spoke softly, perhaps wary of the other man’s emotional state. “You will have to find somebody else.”

Web nodded solemnly, clearly disappointed. “I… I understand.”

Jarral rose from his seat, bowing his head graciously in farewell. “Then it would seem I have pressing matters to attend; if I find anything I will contact you.”

Web stood up, preparing to leave.

“You must say farewell, they deserve at least that.” Jarral glanced back.

Web winced. “I’ll… I’ll think about it.”

“I will not tell them, of that you have my word.”
Jarral already knew his father had made up his mind; it wasn’t for their sake, but his own. It would make it easier.  Jarral found himself unable to blame the man. He knew if it were his life, he would do the same thing.

“Thank you.” Web headed for the exit.

“May Fate’s gaze fall not upon thee.” Jarral returned to his books without another word.

“Too late.” Web murmured as the heavy doors shut behind him.