(An actually tame post for Alex for once. -shock! gasp!- So it’s
pretty safe to read for a change. Just mentions of fighting and such.
Just him and myself trying to figure out his path forward from here. )
(Alex has been in my head all damn day at work today. So rather then
working on weekly reset… I am writing! Because someone insists this
needs to be written. Warnings ahead for blood, torture, violence, swear
words. The usual for Alex. Especially since this is his line of thoughts
during his torture. Read at your own risk. XD I’ve been listening to Remember by Adema during writing this.)
(Second part of the dark plotline for Alex. Warnings for Torture, Blood,
Violence, Swear words, and just in general very dark plot things. Read
at your own risk.)
(Part of the dark plotline for Alex. Warnings for Torture, Blood,
Violence, Swear words, and just in general very dark plot things. Read
at your own risk.)
(Dark plot soon for Alex and friends. This is just the little teaser I
started writing a while ago and put aside and forgot to finish. Usual warnings apply with Alex. Violence and swear words. Though mostly just his usual behavior right now. XD)
Lance wasn’t sure what he had expected by going back to Hyrstmill
last evening. A part of him had been feeling… Lonely. Lost even. Wanting
to remember life back before it had become so damned complicated.
To
remember the first person he had gotten close to after leaving
Ishgardian territory for the first time. A friendly smiling face that he
missed so much. Lady
Miu… A part of him longed to know how she was doing. How she fared in
the time since they had parted ways. Her heart not ready for a
relationship with him. She had let him down gently. Always a sweet woman
even on the day she broke his heart.
However his visit to
Hyrstmill ended up being… Odd to say the least. He was still trying to
process everything that happened last night. He
had run into Miu again. After so long apart. Except… Miu had apparently
had quite the story in the time they had not spoken. Miu was no longer a
woman. He was honestly shocked at first. Yet… She was still Miu even if
she now had a male body instead. All due to a misadventure.
Lance
ran a hand over his face before looking towards the great sword sitting
by his desk in his new apartment. Maybe what he needed was to try again
to learn. Move on to other training. He could feel the pulling allure
of that stone he had found down there. Had found it even after someone
had tried to hide it from him. Most likely Tara. He had been on a rather
self destructive streak when she had found him.
Still no
sign of Tara. Or even Alexois. Yet now he had Miu back. Even if she was
different now. It was still going to take him time to get used to. He
still found himself referring to her as a woman. Not to mention he
refused to tell her just how much he had missed her. Miu had more then
enough problems on her own plate. He refused to add to them. No way in
seven hells would he admit to Miu that he still had lingering feelings
despite their time apart. Despite the changes. Miu was still Miu inside.
His feelings would remain his own personal secret.
Lance
plopped down in one of the armchairs in his apartment with a heavy sigh.
He had options but right now all of them seemed… Dangerous. He was
trying to be good for Tara’s sake. But… His cousin was going off on a
wild adventure. His family… Well technically he was still disowned. Yet
he worried for his little brother who was now head of the family. He
felt almost unneeded. Lost. All he truly had was his work at Skyfire
watching over the young Lord Francel.
His eyes wandered
around the apartment. It was warm and inviting. Yet so very lonely. Even
Soren was too busy for him to catch and return the key to the other
man’s apartment. He owed the man for giving him a place to stay after
the whole fiasco with his family. Still wished to find out what had
happened that night in Ishgard. Destiney had only given him vague
answers.
Finally he stood and walked over to his desk. Hand
wrapping around the hilt of that sword. The other hand swiping the stone
from the desktop. Sitting idle wasn’t doing him any good. He needed to
work. Needed to move. Anything but sitting there feeling sorry for
himself. Remembering…
((Consider this your warning if you read this post. Will contain
blood and some pretty dark stuff. A bit of torture and abuse. Alex is
not meant to be a nice guy. So please read at your own
risk. This is what took place between him leaving Aeri’s apartment
Sunday afternoon and when he met her for drinks last night. Just from
the screenshots I show doesn’t do justice just how cruel he can be as a
bad character. I felt it time to give writing the darker side of him a
shot.))
The last many days… I’ve been bounced between so many varying
shades of emotion. Pain, emptiness, sadness, anger… Fear. Love. Hope.
Our
last mission was going well enough. Though the cards predicted it would
be a rough night. A night we could pull through together. We did. But…
There were some very rocky bumps in the road this night. The worst part
was whatever that device was that threw us all into memories. Memories
meant to cut an bleed us dry. It felt like being back
in that very moment. The memory was literally that vivid. I could
actually feel the pain all over again. I was forced to replay that
moment once more. As if the nightmares had never been enough. To relive
the moment before I nearly died. To be brought back to that brink… To
see those sneering Imperial faces hovering over me once more… Even as
Konner set us free I found myself stuck hovering at the edges of that
pain. Dusk’s voice was the first thing I heard. I
heard her calling out to me. Bringing me back from that trauma of the
past. I forced myself to stand once more. To put one foot in front of
the other again. However I was hesitant enough in moving that I believe I
worried Quarcy. His concerned hand on my shoulder was enough to finish
dispelling the hold that memory gripped me in. I was able to keep going
forward with the mission. Though I took the time to slip on my
half-mask, relishing in the comfortable feeling of it upon my face.
Hiding behind that mask. I returned to the house after
the mission with the intent to help at the ward with any injuries.
However I found myself a patient instead. I should not have worn the
jacket into the heat of Thanalan despite the extra protection it
offered. Rhisi forced me to lie down an rest before I fell over from the
heat exhaustion that was winning out. I only remained long enough to
regain some of my strength. My mind was too restless with what happened.
I returned to my own room instead.
I spent the next few
days at my house, turning away even my cousin. I wanted to be alone. I
didn’t want company. Though after a day I found myself back at the
Order’s house. Dusk was sitting near the fireplace with tea. Tea sounded
really good right then. She offered some to me as well as her ear to
listen to what troubled my heart.
I explained it all to
her. The events of that day outside of Castrum Occidens. My desire to
kill and be killed. Only for my life to be spared in the end. Saved by
my Uncle and his companions. Leon… I admitted to how broken I was
afterwards. Not understanding why I was still alive back then. Her words
though helped to soothe some of the pain that plagued my heart the last
few days. Dusk and I might not always see eye to eye… But right then I
was grateful for her warm presence.
Life returned to
relatively normal for about a day. Apparently though at dinner I found I
had missed something important. There was so much tension. Rhisi pulled
Nate and myself aside. We were told about an incident in the Order’s
past before either of us had joined. An incident involving Oni and the
siblings. An Castrum Occidens…
I was warned about Leera
being invited into the house. Damn it… I couldn’t sit there an argue
with Rhisi though. I left things at that. Choosing to say very little. I
found Nate in the garden the next day. I had intended to head to
Wineport. Alone if needed. This was my problem. I couldn’t take the
chance that the Order could end up in another situation like that again.
If I was forced into Occidens right now… I would be useless… Unable to
function… A liability.
Nate however offered to help me. I
wanted to refuse. Didn’t want him to watch. Didn’t want to show him just
how truly broken I am… Yet… I allowed him to come with me. To be my
anchor. To force me home again if I found myself unable to keep going.
Because I trust Nate.
I forced myself to go as close to
that Castrum as I could. Tried so hard to push further. Yet my legs gave
out on me. My body turned traitor to the memories of that day. All I
could do was sit there on the ground an tremble like a leaf. Damn it
all… Nate’s presence and voice were all I could grasp. I wanted to do
better. Yet I had failed… I allowed Nate to sweep me back off to the
house.
I will try again. As many times as needed. Until I
can overcome whatever part of me I broke that day. I will become
stronger. I will not be a liability. Nate offered to continue helping me
with this problem. Sweet gentle Nate… I have not gone
back again yet. I have gotten too caught up in the preparations for
Starlight. I did though manage to run into Leera in Gridania while
running errands for my mother. Leera looked bad. Well
physically he did. I asked him about the attack on Lance. He insisted he
couldn’t remember. He seemed honest enough in his answer. He also
seemed to be far more emotional then usual. I tried to convince him
‘Father’ is just using him. It didn’t work. I tried to change tactics.
Tried to sympathize. I do want to help him. Be his friend. Yet for all
his praise towards that man… I still feel he would be better off without
that man in his life. Forcing him to nearly freeze to death… Driving
Leera to the brink of madness if my cousin’s words were to be trusted.
I’m not sure I made any progress. Though I feel I understand a bit more.
As well as a bit of the way Leera thinks. I did get him to allow me to
heal the physical damage though before I left. I think I may have caught
him just a bit off guard with calling him my friend though. Yet his
words of warning me not to get in trouble for his sake were touching. Anyways… I better get finished with those Starlight decorations.
Lancefer an the team of men he had been sent with were on the look
out for a group of known heretics. They had reportedly fled this way a
few bells ago. There was no way he was going to let these people remain
hiding in Haillenarte controlled territory. It would be a further stain
to the name if he remained idle or allowed these men to escape.
Caution
was necessary as they crept closer towards the cave mouth. The near
silent drawing of swords. He looked to each of the men on his team. A
slight nod to them as he pushed forward into the darkness that waited to
swallow them whole.
He couldn’t have gone more then a few
feet when light lit the tunnel as if dawn had flared up around them.
Lance’s arm raised to shield his eyes from the sudden amount of bright
light. Yet there was a cry of alarm and pain from behind. Had they been
surrounded?!
Lance couldn’t see before him because of the blinding
light. Taking the chance, he whirled about to find one of his team in a
pool of his own blood. A wicked grin on the face of another knight,
sword dripping with the blood of his fallen comrade.
“Alexois?!
What have you done?!” Lance cried out as he looked at the smug half
crazed smile on the tanned duskwight’s face. Lance didn’t have a chance
to find out as he heard footsteps approaching from the direction of the
light.
“Stomping on some roses of course.” Alexois responded as he
poked the fallen knight with the tip of his sword. “Getting revenge on
you damn High House bastards who make our lives hell. Took me long
enough to find a way in.”
Lance looked between the approaching men
and Alexois. He an the remaining two of his team were betrayed by one
they thought of their own. It had all been cleverly played. They could
still retreat. Getting past Alexois alone behind them wouldn’t be that
hard. The heretics had the advantage now having caught them off guard.
The call would chafe. To retreat an let this betrayal go unpunished…
“This
isn’t over, Alex. I will kill you for this.” Lance growled before
charging towards the man they once trusted. “Retreat! That is an order!”
His sword clashed against Alex’s blade. He would buy time for the rest
of his team to get out alive. He watched them run past back into the
snows of Coerthas. The footsteps from the cave were coming quicker now.
Lance brought his shield up towards Alex’s face to stun the other man. A
moment of time bought.
Lance bolted from that cave. Anger clawing
at his heart. They had been betrayed by Alex. He had once liked the
man. Trusted the man. Only to have it turned against them. Halone have
mercy on the man if they ever met again. Lance would make sure the man
breathed his last.
Destiney looked around her room before placing the several new items
down on the table. Her eyes were watery as she looked down at the gifts.
Every word she had said she had meant them. Every last one. Fingers
trailed over the gifts she hadn’t chosen to wear yet. Finally reaching
up to remove the ones she had decided to wear.
Gifts from those
she had chosen to call family. Precious lovely family. Tears ran down
her cheeks as she ran her fingers over the purple violas with the bit of
old white ribbon woven in among the purple and silver hairpiece.
Nate
didn’t have to do it. That ribbon had only been a reminder of the girl
she had used to be. It hadn’t graced her hair since the first time she
had cut it. Right after Leon’s passing. But now… Now it was something
new again. A fresh start for that old ribbon. Just like how the Order
had been her fresh start. Her hand left that hairpiece to touch the
green stone she wore on a loose necklace.
Only half the stone it
once was. The other half now graced another. She hoped that Rhisi
wouldn’t mind. It had been a part of the ritual Rhisi had preformed for
her when she was still relatively new among the Order. A gift meant to
bring her good luck and comfort. She had chosen to share a bit of that
precious stone with Nate. Half that stone was now his in a similar
necklace. He had been her rock. Together they were more then alone. Two
broken souls who were so much stronger together. She couldn’t think of
anyone who deserved to share that stone with her more then Nate did.
Her
hand covered her mouth to try an hold off the urge to cry. Not unhappy
tears though. There was so much love to be found here among her family.
Slowly she lowered that hand to trail over the beautiful hairpiece Tara
had made for her. So intricate and pretty as it all weaved together an
accented with a bit of purple stone. A hand reaching up to touch the
ends of her shorter locks. She still felt bad that Tara had meant the
gift for her hair before she had cut it again. A soft smile forming on
her lips. It just meant she would have to let her hair grow again. Just
as she continued to grow as a person.
Next her hand touched the
lovely earrings Rhisi had given her. Rhisi… Like a second mother. Always
so kind and warm. Always talking sense into her when she needed it
most. Providing succor for the healer with the broken soul. Giving her a
place she could truly love and be proud to call home. Guiding her back
from the darkest parts of her own heart. With a smile and kind words.
Kagato.
Silly Pirate. A warm smile on her lips. He was still so distant yet she
felt she had at least gotten a bit behind that goofy front at least
once back after that injury with the shrapnel. Top shelf wine, a bag of
cookies, and a silver necklace with a small bit of garnet. He had been
far too kind with words and gifts this night. Yet… She was glad to see
as much as he kept people at arm’s length… He did care.
Aras.
Sweet Aras had even given her a gift. It was unexpected. She wished she
had had more to offer the girl besides the cookies she had attempted to
make. They seemed to have turned out well enough despite her limited
cooking skills. At least the girl would have something to eat while
hiding in the archives. Even if they were cookies. Food was still food
for a bookworm who sometimes forgot to eat.
This was her family.
Even those who only gave the gift of their warmth an acceptance. This
was home. Now she did cry. She was so fortunate to be among them. To be
accepted. Broken parts and all.
Tara Griffinsong: “…” Tara says nothing
at first, staring out at Dravania in the far distance. “…If you
wish.”
Lancefer Aurifore frowns and looks at her a moment
before finally climbing up to sit beside her on the wall. “I am guessing
something very bad happened last eve. Neither you nor Destiney seem to be
yourselves this eve.”
Tara Griffinsong wipes red rimmed eyes, “…You
could say that, yeah. It….it was damaging to all of us, in our own way.”
Lancefer Aurifore ‘hmms’ softly as he looks out at
the snowy skies. “I was afraid of such when my cousin pretty much told me
to get the hells out of her house an find you instead. What happened last
night? If it is okay for me to ask.”
Tara Griffinsong glances over at him, her eyes
flitting away before she could meet his eyes, “We…It started out fine, a
normal mission…for us anyway. We eventually got into a situation where a
machine? Spell? Where -something- showed us….memories. For most of us, I
think, they weren’t happy either.”
Lancefer Aurifore looks over at Tara as she explains.
“I see…Must have been pretty bad if both you and my cousin are out of
sorts this eve. Do you wish to talk about it? You did listen to me the other
night. I would be willing to offer the same if you so wish.”
Tara Griffinsong points at the mountains in the
distance. “I was born over those, in the Orn Wildes. Or so near the Wildes
it wasn’t really the Hinterlands anymore and it wasn’t the Wildes yet. There’s
a ranch there, called Little Hope.” She laughs, a little broken,
“Little Hope isn’t so little really.”
Lancefer Aurifore: “I don’t think it matters if
it is little or not. To someone at some time it was that small shred of hope
they needed most likely. It is Hope that gives some people the drive needed to
push forward when things are bleak.”
Tara Griffinsong: “We’re…family. Refugees from
basically everywhere the Empire’s looked who’ve made it across Abalathia’s
Spine is welcome in our home and I’m actually related to most of them.
We….also have taken in…people the See is not fond of.” She chooses her
words carefully. “I was born the second of three children, with my twin
the only one younger than me.”
Lancefer Aurifore frowned at her comment on the See,
looking around to make sure no others knights had been nearby. “So many
people found hope in what your family offered. So the place is actually well
named despite not being so little. Please continue.”
Tara Griffinsong tugs her cap off as the wind
settles, letting her waist length hair unfurl behind her.
Tara Griffinsong: “For years, we were peaceful.
We didn’t make trouble with our ‘neighbors’ and even breed war chocobos. Aiden
was my older brother, a good eight years older than me, but we were thick as
thieves, more so than me and my twin really. He understood me in a way
that….no one else has ever really been able to.”
Lancefer Aurifore: “Sounds like he was a good
older brother. What happened to him? You said 'was’. I take it he is no longer
walking this world. Forgive me for asking if it hurts too much. You may ask me
to leave if you wish.”
Tara Griffinsong: “Carteneau. He was eight years
older than me, so he was nineteen when the Alliance went to battle. Ishgard
wasn’t involved, of course, but Aiden somehow got his way south and joined the
Adders. …He didn’t make it home.”
Lancefer Aurifore made a soft 'hmph’ noise. “So
then the odds were high that maybe you an Destiney met for a reason. Did she
ever mention Carteneau to you?”
Tara Griffinsong nods quietly. “She did.”
Lancefer Aurifore: “Maybe one of the Twelve
thought the two of you could use each other. Well use is not really the right
word. A shared pain is an easier burden when it is shared. Have you ever told
her about your brother?”
Tara Griffinsong shakes her head, “Most days his
memory is bearable and she hurts far worse than I.”
Lancefer Aurifore looks at her in silence for a long
moment. Thinking of the words he wanted to say. “I think you should. Or at
least maybe try. Maybe she is finally healing? Unless it was something about
her father she saw last eve. She wouldn’t tell me. Seemed to get lost in her
thoughts easier than usual.”
Tara Griffinsong shakes her head, “I…wasn’t
really able to focus on what others were reacting or saying. My own memories
were….distracting.” She slides off the railing and picks up the sack and
a large, cloth wrapped item that looked far too heavy for her to be carrying,
though she managed fine. “…Join me? I’m going to do something I should
have done while coming south.”
Lancefer Aurifore watches her get up, eyeing the
sack. “Of course. I would gladly offer you my sword and shield out here.
Not that I do not believe you a capable young woman. It just makes me worry
less. If that is alright to you. Or I would even offer to carry that for you if
you wished.” Brushes snow off his armor as he climbs down off the wall.
Tara Griffinsong shakes her head, “We’re not
going far and it’s my thing to carry.” She smiles wanly.
Lancefer Aurifore: “Then lead on and I shall
follow.”
Tara Griffinsong pauses, grumbling a little about
public stair safety and hefting the wrapped object higher in her hold.
Tara Griffinsong takes a deep breath at the opening
to the cave.
Lancefer Aurifore keeps an eye on her while still
making sure to keep an eye out for anything dangerous as well. “So what
have you come here to do? If you do not mind me asking.”
Tara Griffinsong bites her lip, “Visiting the
Fury’s Gaze.”
Lancefer Aurifore: “That much I could figure by
where we are.”
Tara Griffinsong sends him a dry look.
Tara Griffinsong gazes around the cave, staring at
the stalagmites and tites, seemingly searching for something.
Tara Griffinsong walks over to one of the bigger
ones, feet making little to no sound.
Lancefer Aurifore looks up before closing his eyes and
making a motion of respect for Halone.
Lancefer Aurifore walks over and quietly watches
Tara.
Lancefer Aurifore eyes the axe she had placed against
the pillar. “Did it belong to your brother?”
Tara Griffinsong kneels and drags from her sack a
large, flat stone and sets it before the pillar, making four indentations in it
with a touch of aether. Next comes candles, one deep purple, one blue, one
white and lastly a pitch black one. “Yes, one of the only uncharred things
that was found to bring home to us.” She lights the candles with a match
and smiles, “Rest well in Halone’s Halls, Aiden. May She greet you with a
Warrior’s welcome, for you fell in battle protecting your home and your
family.”
Lancefer Aurifore looks back towards the stone
bearing Halone’s mark before looking back towards the axe and Tara. “I am
sure Halone has embraced him with open arms. She does not forsake those who
have served her well.” His words were softly spoken.
Tara Griffinsong quieter, “Be safe big
brother…I miss you…”
Tara Griffinsong: “I hope so…I wasn’t…sure
if I should do this, since he never fought for Ishgard, but…I felt I had to,
you know? I know this is probably unorthodox and frowned upon to leave these
here…”
Tara Griffinsong: “I got mad at him, you know,
before he left. My last words to him was that he was abandoning us, me. I was
mad that I didn’t tell him I loved him.” She sobs.
Lancefer Aurifore steps closer and puts his hands on
her shoulders first, not wanting to startle her. Before wrapping his arms
around her in a hug from behind. “Halone may be the patron who watches
over Ishgard but her children are not just those of us born and bred in
Ishgard. I am sure she loves all her children no matter their birth. Even your
brother.”
Tara Griffinsong sobs freely now, hands coming up to
hug his arms as tears stream down her face.
Lancefer Aurifore just lets her cry as he holds her.
“I’m sure he knows you love him too. You’ve probably made him proud so
many times. Look at all the good you’ve done. The people you’ve helped. If he
watches over you… I am sure he is very proud of his little sister. I would
be.”
Tara Griffinsong hiccoughs, “Twelve I hope so.
I…I don’t think I’ve earned his pride though.” She sniffles,
“How…how do I submit a formal request to Haillenarte to not remove it?
Or at least move it somewhere more appropriate and not throw it off the
cliff?”
Lancefer Aurifore takes a deep breath an looks up. “I can try
calling in some favors. Maybe talk to Lord Francel. He would probably be the
best one to convince. He is a very kind young man who I am proud to serve under.”
Tara Griffinsong shakes her head, “I’ll do it
Lancefer. I don’t want you spending your favors on me.”
Lancefer Aurifore chuckles softly. “No. It is
alright. They would be well spent if they offered you some measure of peace. I
wish I could do the same for my cousin.”
Tara Griffinsong tilts her head up to glare at him,
poking his arm gently. “It’s fine. I’ll ask the Lord myself. I’m not that
socially awkward.”
Lancefer Aurifore let’s go of her to raise his hands
in the air, a slight grin on his face. “Alright. I did offer at least. But
yes I would suggest talking with Lord Francel. He is a kind hearted young man.
If any of the Haillenarte children might hear you out, it would be him.”
Tara Griffinsong drags gentle fingers down the head
of the axe, pressing a kiss to her fingers and then her fingers to the axe.
“Rest well Aiden. Feast and Make Merry at Halone’s side.”
Lancefer Aurifore: “May Halone watch over his
soul.”
Sky blue
eyes stared up towards the grey clouds. More snow soon to come they
promised. Something that was not an usual occurrence for Ishgard. He had
trouble remembering anymore what his city used to look like without the
cold and snow. Hard to believe it had been so long already.
He
knew he should have returned home last eve. Was probably going to hear
about it from his mother at the very least. Hopefully his father was too
busy with work for Dzemael to even be home at this hour. He could slip
in an find his spare armor. The chainmail he had worn yesterday needed
repairs. There was no way he could wear it to duty without questions
being raised. He had no answers to give. None that made sense. There was
no way he could explain it without seeming as if he was crazy. Though
he had seen a good many crazy things since he had started following his
cousin around.
Yesterday… The man with the snow white hair and
teeth like razors. The one Tenrai had called a foul water sprite. His
left hand came to rest over his right shoulder. There was no real pain.
Tara had taken good care of the injury he had sustained. Yet… The
memories of that brief fight still disturbed him. There was still no
name to put with the stranger’s face yet he had claimed to know
Destiney. Which disturbed him even more…
Chaotic. His cousin
had some very chaotic choices of people to claim knowing. That was the
best way he could think of it. Like turbulent waters of the sea. He
hadn’t had a chance to see her an ask about the strange man he had found
outside of Dragonhead.
It had started as mere curiosity and
concern. The man had been sitting in the snow against the outer wall.
Wanting to make sure the fool hadn’t frozen to death mere feet from the
camp itself. There was a sort of madness about the stranger wearing the
half-mask. Talking about dragon blood. Saying how it had no effect on
him an wanting to test it on Lance. An then… The odd way the man fought
like a demon. Trying to pierce Lance with those… Things! Like the
tentacles of a octopus but far more dangerous. Their shape was not
solid. More like half frozen water able to shift shape. The edges tipped
crimson with blood. There was no way Lance wanted to find out if it was
truly dragon blood in those dangerous tendrils.
Lance hadn’t
wanted to fight. Not at first. However there was no way he was going to
allow someone so dangerous to walk freely. Not in that state of
madness. However he had no idea where his cousin was to call her to deal
with the masked man. It had been like fighting a Hydra. Cut off one an
two regrew. Until he was facing at least seven tendrils. In the end it
wasn’t one of those tipped in the color of blood that caught him. He had
opened up a gaping wound in the man’s chest but even that did not seem
to faze the man. From there something shot out like those tendrils,
caught him in the right shoulder. His chainmail hadn’t seemed to be much
of an obstacle for it either. That creeping cold. Like something
crawling under his skin. Then it was nearly over as quickly as it had
begun. The man withdrew and fled away. Leaving him there stunned and
wounded. Leaving him to wonder what sort of creature that man was.
His
thoughts finally drifted back to the present as he approached the door
to the house. A deep breath before his hands reached up to give it a
push open. Cautiously without seeming like a thief sneaking about his
own home, Lance made his way towards his room.
“Lancefer?”
He
paused an mentally cursed his luck. His mother’s voice. So much for
getting in an out without notice. Elviane always seemed to be keeping an
eye or ear out for his coming and goings. Especially when it came to
trying to set him up with a potential wife.
“Yes mother. I had to
stop by an fetch something from my room. I have another shift of duty
shortly.” He knew she wasn’t going to come out of the other room to see
him though. She rarely did anymore. Not unless she had something
specific she needed him for. Nor did he feel truly bad for lying about
having duty soon. He mere wanted to avoid the possible conversation
about his love life. Or rather lack of one.
“Your father and
grandfather wished to see you in the study. Do not keep them waiting.
You know how they hate being made to wait.”
Halone have mercy…
Both of them? He grimaced an looked down the hall towards the closed
doors to the study. It would have been easier to turn around an run. But
he didn’t run. With a deep breath he pushed forward towards those
doors. Looming ahead of him like the gates to hell. Dealing with them
one at a time was bad enough. Dealing with both at once… Maybe he should
have let that man kill him yesterday.
Inside the room Grandfather
was his usual place. Behind the sturdy manor desk, polished to a shine.
Papers spread across it’s surface. A tray of tea that was no longer
steaming. Obviously they had been waiting for him for some time. His
father frowned from where he stood near the windows looking out into
Ishgard.
“You’re late.”
The urge to cringe was there as his
father spoke. Vairemont was never a patient man. Yet Lance kept his face
passive. He had been dancing to this game long enough. A respectable
bow to both of his elders. He didn’t dare look up at either of them.
Gaze kept down to the floor. They would not tolerate being lied to. Yet
they didn’t truly know the lies he told them on a regular basis. There
was no reason to give them a chance to suspect him now though. Tread
careful. Dealing with both at once was like walking on cracked glass.
One wrong step would have disastrous consequences.
“I
apologize. I got caught up in business last eve an chose to rest before
returning. It was already far late for travel back to Ishgard.”
He
heard his father’s steps more then saw them. Felt his father’s
displeasure. The man always seemed to radiate that feeling around him
anymore. Ever since his fateful choice of Haillenarte over Dzamael. He
was no longer the favored son. Had not been for many years.
“Resting at the beach I heard.”
Surprised
eyes found his father’s stern gaze. Had they realized? Was his ruse up?
Did they know every bit of information he fed them since finding out
who the lady they had him following was, was false? Surely he had not
slipped up that much to give himself away so soon. He was no shadow yet
surely they couldn’t have found out. Unless… They had begun to suspect
an had him followed… Or he was truly unlucky that someone his father
knew was there at Costa…
“Her free company goes to the beach at
the end of the week, every week. As I said. Business. Unless you no
longer wish for me to keep trying to find information for you.” He tried
hard to keep the venom from his voice. He hated what they demanded of
him. The orders chaffed an cut at him. Defying them was hard. They were
his family. Yet… They also made it so easy to do. His time among the men
and women of Haillenarte had given him a better understanding of how
family should be. Even his time learning of his cousin an her crazy free
company that she considered family… Even they were more family then the
one he had.
Fast. His father’s hand struck out at him. Hand
on his injured right shoulder. Fingers digging into that wound. On
purpose. The intent was clear on his father’s face. Lance couldn’t keep
his face passive any longer. His teeth were gritted against the pain as
those fingers pressed hard against that injury. Tara’s hard work… It
pissed him off. Finally the pain subsided as his father shoved him back
into the nearby bookshelf. A few of the books tumbled to the floor at
the jolt of a body hitting the shelves.
“You will not take the tone with me, boy.” His father’s voice a snarl.
“Enough!”
Age wizened eyes looked on at the scene of father and son before
finally settling on Lancefer. Their disappointment was clear. “You have
been failing to provide us with anything useful lately. If this keeps
up… Well. I don’t have to remind you now do? Consider this a warning,
Lancefer. You will not get another. You know what was asked of you.”
“Yes,
Grandfather.” Lance bowed his head. A warning. They were indeed
beginning to suspect. His lies had not been clearly as clever as he had
thought they had been. Maybe he had been wise in warning Nate last
evening. If they suspected it would not be long before they took this
matter out of his hands. If they did that he would no longer be able to
control the flow of information. He would need the help of men like
Raiden and Nate. The purple-eyed aevis and the wolf of Dzamael. But
would it be enough?
“You are dismissed.”
Lance did not
wait around. Nor did he hurry in his departure. He would not give them
the satisfaction of thinking they had him running scared. Once in the
safety of his room, he slid down the closed door to sit on the floor.
Slowly he removed his jacket and shirt. Trying to be careful of the
bandages on his shoulder. They were stained with fresh blood where his
father had dug his fingers into the wound. A quiet curse under his
breath as he leaned his head back against the door behind him. He would
have to think of something. Surely he could do this.
I seem to be neglecting to write in here as often as I used to. I
guess life has been a bit busier then normal. Especially now with my
cousin in the picture.
Lance and I have been spending time
when we both can getting to know each other. It has been mostly casual.
He hasn’t tried to pry for anything more then I am willing to speak with
him on. Then again part of me is still waiting for him to stab me in
the back. I don’t think he will though… I guess it is still part of me
not ready to accept that someone from that side of the family actually
cares.
He did mention the other night he had come looking
for me to tend to some injuries he had gotten while on duty. I guess he
got injured fending off an attack in a joint effort with some of the
Fortemps troops from Dragonhead. Some aevis scored a lucky hit on him.
Apparently Tara took care of it for him though. He
also mentioned some sparring match that happened while he was visiting.
Something about Aras and Dusk. He didn’t have all the details as he and
Tara had arrived towards the end of the match. Though he made mention of
interest in challenging her himself sometime. As well as that he met
Nate after. Who didn’t seem to be having a good day. Speaking
on Nate. I’m glad he has so much patience for me some days. I feel I
have been rather snappish with him lately. I guess I am just still upset
from last week’s mission. I don’t really mean to take it out on him. I
mean we have moments where I feel like we might clash an I get so scared
of what might happen if we do. I guess I should have a bit more faith.
Faith that the bond between us is stronger then a few ill words. I
mean he did get a chance to see me use a bow for a change in the
Twelveswood last week. Tara had gotten lost. Or rather something had
spooked her chocobo. It was nice… Fighting side by side like that.
Instead of just watching his back. We did manage to find Tara safe and
sound though she had been chased by a few tempered Sylphs. Nate and I
had gone to check an make sure they had all returned to their territory
after they gave up the chase. Of course we found some stragglers. That
was how Nate and I got to fight side by side. I was unlucky that day
apparently though. One of the sylphs managed to catch me off guard an I
was zapped pretty good. No real physical injury though besides feeling
rather numb and tingly. Nate got us back to the house before actually
carrying me inside on his back. I was a bit… embarrassed honestly.
Mostly because there were others in the house at the time. But at the
same time I was afraid I might trip an fall on my face with the way
certain parts of my body felt numb. I knew it would wear off in time
though. So it wasn’t like I hadn’t agreed to let him carry me.
Dusk
pulled me aside once I was feeling a bit less numb. We stepped aside
into my room to talk privately. Apparently she felt the need to caution
me about Leera and Rose. She doesn’t want Leera anywhere near Rose. Our
youngest an newest member. I understand she is young an still learning.
However I was a bit offended that she felt the need to try an caution me
yet again. I know Leera -can- be dangerous. I’ve always held a measure
of caution when dealing with Leera ever since learning the truth about
who an what he is. There is always a certain amount of caution needed
when dealing with a predator. I want to believe Leera can be good, can
do something more then be a tool for his creators. Even Oni when we had a
discussion earlier in the day had believed there might be a chance for
Leera to be a better person. He just needs to be taken away from the bad
influences an given a chance. So I told Dusk my own opinions an what
Oni had said. It was admitting Leera does need to change. Yet I still
feel Leera does care about me in a way. I had told Oni
about the potion Leera had given to me. About how Felix thought it had
been something to be used against him. That was how our discussion went
from Oni’s new tools into talk of his sibling. I haven’t seen Leera for a
bit of time now. He had told me I wouldn’t. But in our talk Oni did
agree Leera wasn’t always the way he is now. That maybe if he was taken
away from ‘father’ that there could be a chance for real change. I mean
it is worth a shot if I can find a way. Why else would Leera care enough
to keep speaking to me or even give me a potion for my own safety? I am
certainly not -that- entertaining for him to be toying with me. Oh!
On a rather positive note. I survived my first cooking lesson with
J’siris. I had offered him use of my new kitchen an he proceeded to
teach me a stew. It actually turned out really well even with me helping
make it. I didn’t even cut any fingers this time! I even took some to
Lance before I joined the Order at the house for the evening.
Anyways I better finish my work before the mission this evening. It is nearly time.
Now where did I leave off last time… Oh yes the knock at my door.
Apparently I have a cousin who decided to come from Ishgard to watch
over me. On occasion. Apparently he has been spying upon me for a while
now. An those in my free company. It seems my grandfather has not been
too fond of some of my recent activities. He originally sent Lance to
spy on us an report back to him.
Lance claims he’s
giving him false information though. That Lance just wants a chance to
prove himself to me now. Since Dusk and Raiden seemed to think he’s not a
danger to me… I’m giving him a chance. A chance to prove himself and
the words he claims to be true. So we’ve spent some time getting to know
each other. Just a little bit so far. Both of our lives are somewhat
busy. So we just try to find time where we can.
There
have been no recent missions. At least none that I know of. Life has
been busy for many of us this past week. Work or family requiring
attention from many. Myself included. Between visiting my mother and
dealing with my cousin. An some work for the Flames and Gods’ Quiver.
I
met Feterra… Apparently a friend of Nate’s who is staying with him… We
had words the other night. Not exactly pleasant words. I do not know how
much of the things she said I believe or want to accept with at least a
grain of salt. She said Nate hates healers. That she can’t believe Nate
would be friends with me. Unless we were ‘special’ friends. Just
because Nate stayed on my couch in my room at the Order’s house when he
was injured… Nothing has ever happened like that between us. I would
never ask that of Nate. I would be afraid it would ruin what does exist
between us if I even did. An I can see the pain when he mentions
Granger.
I was… Angry. I think I kept my temper
rather well despite the anger I was feeling towards her words and
judgements of the bond between Nate and I. Thankfully Rhisi arrived an
our conversation ended. I took a walk rather then continuing to let her
goad me into further anger. It would not benefit anything for me to have
remained. She did apologize to me later before I went to bed. I was no
longer feeling well.
Oni had been the reason I had felt
ill. He had come home with items from a recent hunt. All I could
remember was the day I had found him hunting. The blood and sight I
found… The thought still made me fearful to be around him. I have been
avoiding him an staying away from him as much as possible since that
day. At least until last night.
Rhisi had pulled me
aside. She had mentioned the day before about asking me how I was doing
with the cards. She did ask about the cards… But there was more to our
discussion then just that. We also discussed Oni. I was asked if I had
ever tried to ask the cards about Oni. I had. Twice now. Once a while
back when I was last having problems with him. An then again last night.
Each time the answer was the same. Incomplete. Unfinished. Rhisi
thought it was actually fitting of the man she knows Oni to be.
I…
Came to a realization last night in that discussion. I don’t want to
die. Not anymore. Not like I once had. Somehow in my fear while watching
Oni… In thinking I might be next… I realized I no longer wanted to die.
I had never given the idea much thought since the day I tried to die
outside of Occidens. I had wanted to die so badly. I had wanted to take
those soldiers with me. Instead I had left a broken mess. I was saved
and could not understand why. I was inches from death. Seconds maybe.
Yet I was saved. For so long… I couldn’t understand why. I’m not
entirely sure I still know why. Yet… Maybe I am finally on the path to
understanding it.
Rhisi told me a small story. In a
way she seems to think that the events that occurred on my nameday…
That this is in a way a part of my rebirth. That it is like the warriors
of her story. They live to fight an die in battle. Only to sometimes
live. That it is not a second chance. It’s a path towards a rebirth. To
accepting that they are alive an that is how they want to be. That the
path is never easy. It can be dark, stormy, painful, and filled with
fear. It’s the acceptance that is the rebirth. Realizing you want to be
alive.
Maybe part of me did die that day. Maybe
that part of me my uncle, Leon, an Dove saved was worth it. Worth
breathing life back into. Even as broken an shattered as I was. That
fragment they worked to restore… It just took me time to realize I
wanted to be alive.
Of course this doesn’t mean some
magic wand has been waved an I will be one hundred percent alright from
now on. I’m still an imperfect creature. I am still finding my way in
life. I am still figuring things out. I’ll still have moments where I
doubt myself and my abilities. Where all I feel is the darkness in my
own heart. That is still a part of who I am. There is no magical cure.
There is no quick fix. But… There will always be people who love and
care about me though. An somehow I will make it through even when my
doubts threaten to drown me.
Oni… I am still unsure how
I feel about him. Other then… I still want to be his friend. I was
honest about that with him last night at Bronze Lake. I do not know if I
can look at him the same way I once did. I do not know if I will ever
be able to easily accept the predator he is deep down. I do know that
the people of this company that know the truth trust him completely.
Rhisi said he chooses us. He chooses to give everything he is to us.
That even if he was half mad with hunger he would still do everything in
his power to control himself and protect those he calls his family.
Somehow… I need to find a way to accept this. In my own way. To come to
terms with what lurks beneath that gentle exterior.
Leera…
He knows I gave up the potion to Felix yesterday. Felix felt it was
dangerous. That somehow it was some plot against Oni. I had never once
intended to give it to Oni. Leera gave it to me. It was for my safety.
But… I knew Felix wouldn’t let up. I didn’t want to ruin what is between
Felix and I. Our friendship does mean a good deal to me. So I gave it
to him. Apparently Leera had been nearby an observed. He contacted me
over the linkpearl he had left me. I felt bad. I’m not sure if he
thought I would lie to him as Felix asked me to or something else. He
sounded disappointed. Whether it was just in Felix or the fact that I
handed it over I do not know. One thing I will admit is that I am
disappointed that I will not hear from Leera again for a time. He said
he had to go away for a while. However I did let Felix know I would not
stop talking to Leera just because I handed over that vial.
It
is unfair to make me pick sides. To keep me in the dark an assume I
should side with one based on words alone. I still think there is some
shred of good in Leera. I will continue to keep this stance until he
proves me wrong otherwise. Till he proves to me that there is no
redemption for a soul like his. If I can accept Leera… Surely I can find
a way to accept Oni as well. They are both dangerous in their own ways.
I will find a way to come to terms with everything. One way or another.
I hope. I believe.
There is one thing that bothers me
though… I had stepped away from Felix, Dusk, an Rhisi to answer Leera. I
told them it was something personal. Which.., It technically is. Still
it feels so close to lying… I found myself unable to admit to who I
spoke with. Not with Dusk and Felix present. I know their opinions of
Leera. I knew they would frown upon it.
Damn it
all… I totally did not have a chance to speak with Nate last night
either. I spent the first half of the night enjoying the quiet as I was
left alone. I mean Konner did come to check in with me which was kind of
him. Eventually though Nate brought over a guest who was staying at the
house. Yet I did not get a moment alone with him to speak with him
about Feterra.
I had a first that night. Nate brought
Taka over to me who was very visibly pregnant. I have never dealt with a
pregnant person before. Nor have I ever had to check on the health of a
child. I am still such a novice healer yet Nate… Seemed to think enough
of my skills to bring her to me instead of Aimee. I was nervous and
unsure. Yet… I think I did alright.
Overall… This past
several days has been a literal whirlwind. I feel like I have been up an
down and all over the place emotionally. Many good and bad. I think…
Once I can sort through my feelings… Sort through how to handle
everything… I will be just fine. Yes… I think that is accurate.
(So. First meeting for the cousins, Destiney and
Lance. Since my characters cannot actually ever meet each other in game,
of course, I wrote this for them.)
Destiney quickly tucked away her
journal as she finished the last lines for the entry she was working
on. The fact that someone was knocking on her door had her curious.
Chee and J'siris usually didn’t bother knocking and waiting. They
usually just knocked then came in. Whoever was at the door today
wasn’t them. She didn’t usually get visitors at her personal home. It
wasn’t an address she openly gave out. This place was an escape from
all the chaos and activity in her life. Her one safe haven from
everything.
What she hadn’t been expecting was the
handsome elezen on the other side. She was pretty sure she had never
met this man before. His darker skin tone almost made her mistake him
for a duskwight at first. But the racial cuffs on the ears marked him
as a wildwood. His hair was raven black with what appeared to be dark
blue highlights in places. Faint freckles dotted his cheekbones right
below his summer sky blue eyes. She found herself speechless as she
stared up at him.
“Destiney? Destiney Delvanguard yes?”
He asked as he bowed politely to her. Even an Ishgardian accent
touched his voice.
“Yes. Who are you?” She finally
managed to find her voice to ask the young man before her. The accent
had set her on edge. It had been the douse of cold water she needed
when staring at a handsome elezen man. She knew very few people in
Ishgard. He was not among those. Very few of those she even knew
there could be counted among those she trusted. So what brought this
man to her doorstep then?
“Lancefer, Knight in service of House
Haillenarte. May I come in?”
Destiney stepped aside as she held the
door open for him to come in. She had not missed his lack of a last
name. Curiosity won out over caution though. There was no one she
remembered among Haillenarte. Never before had she interacted with
anyone from the High Houses. Not even a knight of one. She had always
kept her time in Ishgard limited after her five year stay had ended
years ago. Only returning as needed for information or items bartered
from a trader there. Not even returning to visit her aunt. Though she
did send letters at times to let her aunt know she was still alive.
Thankfully the recent remodel of her
kitchen allowed for better space to deal with guests. Mostly because
she had been tempted to invite members of the company by sometime.
Most definitely a few of them at the very least. She had already had
Felix over once. Along with his friend Rowan. It had just been a few
nights ago actually.
Lancefer picked a chair not far from
the doors, placing his gauntlet clad hands on the back but didn’t
sit. He looked anxious and nervous though he did hold himself well
without fidgeting. As if whatever he had come here for, was bad news.
Or at least news he was unsure how she would take. Destiney didn’t
take her eyes off him though as she moved around the counter into the
kitchen. The more distance between them the better. Not that there
was much room for escape if needed. Especially being in the kitchen.
Still the space between them an the counters made her feel a fraction
safer to deal with the Ishgardian in her home.
“What can I help you with, Ser
Lancefer?” Destiney asked as she grabbed a bottle of white wine off
the cupboard shelf before turning her attention back to him. There
was no way she wished to take her eyes off him for long. His sword
and shield were not drawn but that did not make him any less
dangerous. Her bow was downstairs on her desk as she had not expected
needing it. As was her soulstone so there was no way to call Daisy to
her aid. Fingers reached into her pocket to brush against her
linkpearl. At least that much she never left just anywhere. It was
also on her person.
“This… This is hard to explain.”
Lancefer said with a sigh as he ran a hand through his dark hair. He
finally let go of the back of the chair and began to pace. “After
speaking with both Lady Miu and Lady Dusk… They both thought it
time I come clean to you. That I come speak with you. I beg you to
hear me out until I finish what I have to say though. Will you?” He
looked at her with pleading eyes as he stopped his pacing for a
moment.
“Lady Dusk? You know Dusk?”
Destiney frowned as she looked at him. Lady Miu was a name she had
not heard before but she only knew one Dusk. It made her feel she
needed to be extra cautious now if the Dusk he spoke of was the one
she knew. Though it also made her want to find out the truth. Surely
if he was dangerous Dusk wouldn’t have suggested he come speak to
her. After all Dusk kept trying to warn her of Leera because she
thought the duskwight was dangerous. Granted Leera was dangerous in a
way but he had never proven a danger to her yet.
“Lady Dusk of the Order you belong to
yes. I have…” He hesitated as he took a deep breath as if to try
an ease the tension of his body. He could see the way Destiney had
tensed up as he confirmed that they were talking about the same Dusk.
“I… have been speaking with various members of your company. For
a while now actually. Raiden. Oni. Lady Tara. To name a few. I dined
with them for a brief time at the beginning of the week even. They
knew the truth an have held their tongues on the matter because I
pleaded for them to do so.”
“Held their tongues on what matter?
Get to the point.” Destiney said with a frown as she gently placed
the wine bottle down on the counter behind her. She no longer trusted
herself to hold on to it. Afraid she may either throw it or drop it.
Almost wished she had a seat in case she needed it with whatever this
knight was about to tell her.
“Please hear me out until the end. At
first what I have done is because of orders on behalf of my
grandfather. But as time went on my motivations changed. My reasons
for doing what I have done have changed. Fury take me… I even
battled Raiden on behalf of those motivations. Before the eyes of
Halone herself outside the gates to Ishgard…” A heavy sigh as he
resumed pacing once more as his story slowly unfolded. “I lost
gloriously to Raiden. I never stood a ghost of a chance. I thought…
thought you were safe with members like Raiden to watch your back.”
“Safe? Safe from what?” Destiney
struggled to remain patient. She found his words to grate her nerves.
Why had he challenged Raiden? What was she supposed to be safe from?
Interally she was screaming for him to get to the point. However she
knew screaming an getting angry would do little good. It was obvious
whatever this knight was trying to say was difficult. He wanted to
make his point with as many details as possible.
“From my grandfather. Our
grandfather.” His eyes met hers. He held his breath as he watched
her for any sign. Any sign of what she was likely to do. When she
just stared at him in confusion he pressed forward. His words came
quicker now. Hurrying to make his point before she had a chance to
toss him out of her house without finishing. “My name is Lancefer
Aurifore. I am your cousin. Grandfather at first sent me to spy on
you an report back to him. Looking for any weakness he could use
against you. Once I learned you were my cousin though… I started to
defy his wishes. I fed him false information. I fought Raiden for
your safety. He… Doesn’t have the best of reputations among the
knights but it is not my story to tell.”
“Wait… What? Grandfather…
That…” Destiney sucked in a sharp breath as she gripped the
counter behind her. Her eyes stared down at the floor beneath her
feet. She felt like a rug had been ripped out from under her. She had
had no interactions with the old bastard since she had left Ishgard.
Gladly had she kept it that way. Neither one of them wanted to be
family to one another. Yet this man in her home was calling himself
her cousin. She felt angry and confused all at the same time.
“I tried my best to work from the
shadows. To keep anything that might damn you as a heretic from
reaching grandfather. But… I am a knight not a spy. I have a
certain amount of honor to uphold. Haillenarte has already fallen too
far without me adding anything worse to their reputation.” His
pacing stopped again. Once more his hands gripped the back of the
chair nearest to him. His gaze was downcast. “Both Lady Miu and
Lady Dusk insisted this farce needed to end. That I needed to come
clean an speak with you. I… You are my family. I cannot stand by an
allow this continue. To allow this all to spiral out without you
knowing what sort of danger might lurk in the shadows. Please…”
His words seemed heartfelt. That was
what struck Destiney the most. Never before beyond her aunt had
anyone from that side of the family reached out to her. To most of
them her mother was an outcast. An she a half-breed bastard. Yet here
was one claiming to be different. To actually be trying to warn her.
Grandfather having a desire to brand her a heretic was actually not
very far fetched. She didn’t like the man an he certainly didn’t like
her.
“If you can not trust my words
alone… If you have reason to distrust me… Speak with Raiden or
Lady Dusk. Or even Lady Tara. Please. Even if you toss me out right
now… Please just believe me… All I want is to keep you safe.”
Destiney felt at a loss for words.
Every name of an Order member was someone she trusted. Even if she
was not currently on good terms with Oni. It still said something if
those people had trusted him enough to keep his secret. It explained
the occasional feeling of being watched.
Family. The gods were offering her
another piece of a family. A piece she had never known till now.
Could she trust his words rang true? Could she really just accept his
words for what they were? Haillenarte… It was one of the decent
High Houses. One she had always thought to be far more noble then
those monsters of House Dzamael. Maybe his words could be trusted.
Raiden had fought with him an allowed
the man to live. He had walked away from a battle that could have
very well killed him. If Raiden had allowed him to live… There must
be some shred of truth to his pleas. Which struck another cord in
her. After what she had watched Oni and Raiden to be capable of…
They had allowed someone who had clearly attacked them to walk away
alive.
Her hands clenched as she tried to
decide how to react. Slowly she reopened her hands and finally looked
up at him. His head was still bowed as if waiting for her judgment.
Part of her was angry, furious even. Part of her felt sympathy
towards him. Her heart was tugged in various direction of emotion as
her mind tried to sort through the information in a reasonable
fashion. How dare he assume she needed his protection. How dare he
spy on her! Yet… He was reaching out to her now…
Destiney stalked from the kitchen over
to where Lancefer stood, still not looking up as she approached. Her
hands met his shoulders, shoving backwards. With a clatter of metal,
Lancefer found himself on his butt staring up at her with wide
startled eyes. Destiney crossed her arms over her chest as she looked
down at him with a frown.
“How dare you assume I need your
protection. How dare you stalk me from the shadows yet call yourself
a knight. How dare you assume I want any contact with anyone in the
Aurifore family.” Destiney began. Her voice was firm yet the anger
was held at bay. Slowly she dropped her arms from where she had
crossed them. A hand stretched out to him. “Get up.”
He stared at her dumbfounded and
speechless. First she had shoved him and scolded him. Now she was
offering her hand out to him. Demanding he get back to his feet. Her
expression was hard for him to read. He took her offered hand,
getting back to his feet with her assistance.
“I appreciate your concern but I can
protect myself… Most of the time.” A tug at the corners of her
mouth was the first sign of true emotion since that frown had faded
into a blank look. “I will give you a chance. One chance. If you
screw up, you will never bother me again. If you are truly as honest
as you have made yourself sound… Then… Welcome to the family?”
Lance felt his eyes would pop out of
his head as he listened to her words. He threw his arms around her
without thinking, hugging her tight. She squeaked in protest at the
sudden hug by a man she didn’t really know yet. He quickly pulled
back with a sheepish smile.
“Sorry… I was expecting worse. Like
things thrown at me… Or spells. Halone have mercy.” He laughed
nervously. “I am… Overjoyed that you are going to give me a
chance. I have never been close with my siblings. I have been… the
black sheep of the family since the day I joined Haillenarte.”
“Well then…” Destiney looked
around at her kitchen, eyes settling upon the bottle of wine. “Tell
me about it over a drink? You already know more about me then I know
about you.”
“Ah… Tea maybe? You do drink tea
yes? I am afraid I have duty later this evening. Alcohol would not be
wise.” Lance said as he removed his sword and shield, leaving them
near the door.
