Author's Note (please read me; I like being read):
Hello, I'm OhSweetRedundancy, or OSR.
I'm really excited about this story, and I hope it turns out relatively well. Before I go into any sort of gushing, please let me make a few important notes. 1) Some of the characters will seem a bit OOC, but this is largely due to the lack of context. They should hopefully make more sense in the future. 2) This story is completely AU and you could perhaps say in another world, which means I've taken some liberties (like you'll see with Idris). 3) I don't have any warnings as of yet, but I reserve the right to add any.
If you're tired of reading this A/N, then you may skip over the rest. For those of you remaining, I have two more things:
1) This story will be divided into three parts with 10 chapters each, so this should be kinda long. If I neglect this story at all and you're interested in it, please nag me (although I am busy).
2) I am looking for a beta for this story. More specifically, I'm looking for someone who can spot content errors (and someone who can attack some of my horrendously long and confusing sentences). That's not to say that having an extra set of eyes for grammar, spelling, and the like won't be useful. The pros for being such a beta: you'll get to know what happens long before it does, you get to read chapters before updates, and you get to attack this story mercilessly. The cons for being the beta: you get to put up with me (Muahaha!). So if this interests you, please send me a message.
3) There's a third; I lied. Constructive criticism is wonderful! Please let me know how I can improve this story and mostly as a writer.
Thank you!
Now onto the story!
VVVVVVVVV
There comes a point where time abruptly stops and confronts you. It draws to a halt, drops its wisened gaze to pin you to the spot, and speaks. Its voice rumbles with power and age, but it's also gentle and comforting, like an elder. Its words are carefully chosen, pronounced with the utmost precision. Time invites you to sit with a polite wave of a hand, and you have no choice but to oblige. This is how you find yourself face-to-face with your past, your present, and your future, with the quickening nature of time, and the questions boiling up and over. It is, however, time that poses the first question. The one that it presented this young man, however, was how he found himself in such a precarious position - and how he intended to proceed from there.
I suppose I should give you some context, and I should probably start from the beginning.
There was a loud crash outside followed by rattling and creeking. A steady pitter-patter could be heard emanating from the thin roof, and the occasional tink sang from somewhere inside. It was the typical nature symphony heard during the wet months of summer, and accompanying it from somewhere in the overheated building were softened thumps and warm crackling.
Alec took a pause from kneading the dough under his flour-crusted palms, wiped some of the sweat that wouldn't evaporate from his forehead away. It wasn't too terribly hot outside, but the fire and overworked air of the bakery held heat surprisingly well. The storm's moisture just happened to keep the air too wet to absorb anymore water. A breath escaped his parted lips, and he wiped his floured hands on his apron. The dough would have to sit for a while, but that didn't mean he couldn't start on another batch.
So he turned from the counter, but that was shortly before the door chimed merrily, the drumming of the rain outside grew momentarily louder, and a burst of cool air flooded the small building. Inhaling briefly as the fresh yet saturated air washed over him, he turned toward the customer.
"Lucian!" the name came easily, a regular. The client smiled back amicably, eyes lingering long enough to greet but quickly going back to browse the small collection of goods, a longing glint flashing through his eyes. There were small rolls piled up into a grainy hill, loafs lined and stacked neatly, and a few cakes for the richer niche in town. Lucian, however, gave one last yearning glance toward the sweets before speaking.
"Two roles today as usual," he sounded, his voice gruff.
Alec nodded, stealing a quick glance at the man before plucking two from the top. He was taller for someone in the area, but his physique and composure were certainly ordinary. He was thin, his soiled yet soaked clothes clinging to his frame; salt-and-pepper hair dirty from a hard day's work, although it was likely he would be paid little; his eyes were weary, yet they held a flicker of eagerness for the baked goods; and wrinkles gracing his features, a premature indicator of his age.
"Is that everything?" the baker inquired, although he was certain it would be. Very rarely did Lucian or anyone ask for anything more, but there were still those occasions and courtesy to keep in mind.
Lucian nodded his head. "I believe so, Alec. The usual price?"
A head bob in return, the two rolls still in hand. "Two pieces."
The customer dug his hands into his pockets, scouring them for the two coins he was sure he had. It didn't take too long, giving a satisfied "Ah ha!" when he finally fished them out. "Here." He held them out to Alec, so he extended the rolls to him.
The trade went without hitch, but it did bring another customer - this one unfamiliar. So while Lucian scooted past him, eyeing the newcomer suspiciously, the man approached in few fluid steps.
The door clicked close, and the man gave an unreadable smile. "Hello, there," he purred, odd cat-like eyes flitting to the baked goods and back. "I hear you're the baker."
Alec nodded an affirmative, half of his mind working to register what he was saying (although he was certain he was just stating the blatantly obvious) and the other investigating him. Strangers were rare in the small town of Idris, and beyond being an outsider, it was obvious he was from far away. His yellow-green eyes set on a tanned, travelled face - despite the near-constant rain here - his hair dark, rich brown that neared black and barely long enough to be pulled back (although wet strands were poking about), clothing rich purples and blues and appearing soft to the touch were they dry, and ornate sheaths attached to his hips, everything set him apart as an outsider.
Alec then realized he was taking longer than necessary to reply verbally, managing to squeak a quick, "Yes. Yes, it is."
This earned an amused expression from the man. "Do you prepare orders?" he asked, his voice filled with the same humor.
"I don't get asked to do them much, but I suppose I could. Then again, that depends on how much you're asking in how much time," the baker replied. He seemed to be semi-back up to par on with his wits and attention.
"Are three dozen of those rolls doable by the day after tomorrow? I will compensate you sufficiently for the extra time and work."
Alec shifted, pondering. He still had time that day to gather the ingredients for both the normal batch and the man's request. From there he could prepare the day's and then start on his as soon as he could, perhaps half-way through the day.
He would probably have to spend some extra time in the bakery, but it would bring in more money and he had nothing else planned.
It was only after concluding those thoughts that Alec realized how intently, yet how patiently, the newcomer was watching him.
He fidgeted yet again.
"It should be close," he began, forming those words slowly and carefully, "but I think I'll be able to do it."
The corners of the customer's lips twitch upward into a smile and he beams, mouth working again but rapidly. "Fantastic. I can stop by tomorrow to make sure everything's going okay, and I can pay you some in advance. Let me do some mental math real quick…" he trailed off, pupils pointed toward the ceiling as he thought, "… How about 25 gold pieces to start, and I will give you another 50 when they're done?" He dropped his eyes back to Alec -
- who blinked, stunned. "75 total?"
The man nodded, momentarily appearing almost as taken aback as Alec. "Yeah. 75. Look, kid, don't worry. I offered, and I'm more than willing and able to pay. It's fair."
He hesitated, considering for a moment, before conceding. "Fine. Thank you, ahhh…"
"Bane," he offered, now reaching into a bag dangling at his side. "And really, I should be the one who should be thanking you and your little town. We were almost out of rations and had a couple of days left before our destination when this place sprung up out of no where. So we decided to rest and restock."
"I thought you weren't from around here. Where are you from?" Alec jumped on the opportunity to ask the question, internally cheering and triumphant.
Bane just shrugged. "From everywhere and nowhere, really. It's hard to say." He procured a smaller bag that jingled.
The baker felt the victorious bubble in him pop, and he sighed.
"If you're asking where I was born, it was far away. I suppose you could say I've been farther, though."
A blink. Just how far? But he never received the opportunity to ask.
"It's been a long day and journey, and a bed sounds really nice. Is there someplace to stay like an inn or tavern you'd recommend?" He was quick to start the sentence, but slowed considerably as he spoke.
"There are two in town, but I'd say try the one at the end of the street. It'll be easier for you to find, and the owner is much more pleasant. It'll be a bit more expensive, but that doesn't seem to be much of a problem," Alec replied with a point in its general direction.
"Sounds lovely. I suppose I should finally ask your name considering I'm relying on you for those rolls."
"It's Alexander. Er, Alec."
"It's been a pleasure, Alexander," Alec flinched but hoped it wasn't terribly obvious, "and thank you."
His first name was rarely used in its entirety, it held a disappointed connotation for him, yet he refrained from protesting. Bane would be out of the town and most likely never seen there again; it would make very little difference.
With that, Bane poured a handful of coins onto a clean portion of the counter. "I will see you tomorrow." He backed up, and with a wave he departed the small shop.
The thunder rumbled again, but more subdued, and the rain continued to hammer on the roof. With no one else in the bakery to tend to and a mound of dough ready for the crackling oven, Alec started once again on work.
—
The steady fall of rain continued long after sunset and after Alec closed up the bakery for the day. With a few rolls in the bag at his side and the earnings from the day he ducked his head and started up the street. His steps were quick and long, hoping he would make it to the tavern before he became drenched. Luck would be on his side.
Alec's hair was damp as he stepped into the warm, woody smell. An inviting, low hum of chatter filled the room; the grumble of a chair running across the floor, and a welcoming cheer from a far corner welcomed him. A small smile was his response, and he strode toward the familiar crowd.
"You waited up for me." It was an obvious observation, he knew. Why else would they still be there?
A snort in response from the blond man. "We can't let you be swept away by this torrential downpour, now can we?"
"You make it sound like I can't take care of myself, but who would be able to save me? You?" A laugh.
"No, that's right. I might end up scratching this beautiful face, and it wouldn't be worth the risk."
Alec grinned amicably at the man, but opted not to retort. It was his brother, Jace (adopted, but that was never an issue).
"Why are you still standing? Sit," sounded a higher voice from behind him. "And of course, Jace, your 'beautiful face' is much more precious than anything else in the world."
Alec turned his blue eyes to find his sister watching the two amusedly, three rather hefty pints hanging precariously from her hands. So he obliged, seating himself next to Jace as his sister did the same across from them. The drinks thudded loudly on the wooden table, a grounding sound erupting as Isabelle pushed them toward the brothers.
"They're predicting more rainfall this growing season," informed Isabelle before taking a hearty sip. "We just need to hope we don't get too much with the rate it's going now."
"We could always make a lucrative business in houseboats if we need to," suggested Alec with a shrug. His own drink was nestled firmly in his hands and already deemed satisfactorily tasty.
"Or finding new crops that can withstand more water." Isabelle gave him a pointed look, and he glanced over to Jace.
"Things should be fine. Idris has managed water shortages in the past; I'm sure we can deal with water surpluses. Anyway, it'd just mean I'd get more work." He positively beamed at the last sentence, pleased with the idea of the nature of his work - what Alec would call grueling physical labor - and the opportunity to bring more money into the Lightwood's fund.
"The grain supply just needs to stay up."
"And cotton."
—-
Work the next day started off as usual, save the absence of crashing thunder or flashing lightning. The rain, however, was still pattering away. Alec arrived at the bakery early to start preparing fresh goods, moved the stale leftovers to their new home across the small shop, and pulled the prepared ingredients to the work counter.
The pace was normal, most of the necessary pre-opening work was done on time, a few customers trickling in periodically. It didn't take long for the little building to heat up once again as well, dampening his tousled, dark hair.
The door rattled open and closed, prying his brilliant blue eyes from his work. "Bane." If Alec remembered correctly, and the arrival nodded in affirmation.
He was dressed simply today, a basic white tunic over brown trousers - both still of rich-looking fabrics. His bag and arms, on the other hand, were still attached to his hips. Boots thudded gently against the floor as he approached the counter. "I'm here as I promised, Alexander. How's your work?"
The man in question rolled a ball of dough between cupped hands. "It's coming. Your order will be done tomorrow."
"Great. Thank you again, and -" he was interrupted by a slamming of the door, a woman in the doorway with knowing eyes on Bane. His attention flitted toward her quickly, demanding an answer.
It wouldn't be from her that he would receive one.
It would instead be shouts, cries, clashing metal, and crashing.
He muttered something inaudible under his breath before ordering a brisk, "Go!" Bane gestured toward her, his movements controlled, crisp, yet powerful. "Do what you need to do. I'll meet you there."
She nodded silently, no protest, before striding out of the store. The door banged shut in the same fiery.
Bane looked back toward him, a new indecipherable glint in his eyes. He paused for a moment, almost as if contemplating. Finally he acted. "Grab what you can and come with me," was all he said before rounding the counter, the surface that separated Alec from the customer. Alec from everything else. "We need to leave. They've come for Idris. There isn't much we can do."
"What do you mean?" the baker demanded, stationary. He could hear the clinging, the clanging, the screeching, the thumping outside among the rain, but that meant little at that moment. Why? Why was this happening to a little off-the-map town?
"I'll explain later, but you need to come. I won't force you by any means, but I can't guarantee your safety if you don't." He pulled an apron - the bakery's only clean one - from its hook and strode back toward the other side of the counter.
"And you can guarantee it if I do come?" Alec raised a questioning brow, skeptical.
That made Bane pause, his lips working to form the appropriate words. "Not exactly, but I can promise you you'll be significantly safer. We'll find somewhere new for you to live, but you face certain death staying." He began scooping some of the stale rolls and loaves into the apron, a makeshift sack.
Alec paused, uncertain, calculating, the sounds from outside working their way back into his thoughts. Did he have a choice? He peeked over to the window, the rain still pouring incessantly, but it never offered that good of a view - just some natural light. He peered back over to Bane, who was watching him, waiting for a response.
"I will pay you for these, but I need to know if you're coming," his voice, eyes, everything was growing increasingly impatient. Finally Alec nodded, slipping out of his apron as he approached Bane.
"Okay, let's go," Alec agreed, the cloth in hand, blue eyes to green. He would follow this Bane and, since he shared a small house with his sister and brothers out of town, he could probably persuade a rescue mission out of the man.
The start of a grin toyed at Bane's lips, it disappeared as quickly as it came as he handed the apron full of bread to the poor baker. He turned back toward the door and exited, and Alec, of course, followed, bracing himself for the splash of rain and the crash of a battle cacophony.
But he wasn't sure what he expected to see outside, but what he encountered certainly wasn't it. Perhaps he was expecting there to be less blood, a few motionless bodies sprinkling the ground. Maybe he was anticipating there to be more blood, knee-high rivers that needed traversing. Whatever it was, he found something completely different.
Perhaps because he didn't think it would be so close to home - or home. Men and women not far down the street were staving off a horde of more strangers. The latter's movements were nearly inhuman, brutally strong, rugged, yet surprisingly agile. It was evident that his people stood very little chance, but he couldn't tear his eyes from the fight. It didn't help any that a symphony of clashes, of pained howls, of terrified sobs, and of sickening crunches bombarded his ears. Alec felt his heart stutter, and he jumped when he felt something - someone, grab his shoulder urgently.
"We need to go," he heard, yet the meaning didn't quite register. "Alexander." The hand tugged at his shoulder, and he turned his gaze toward the pair of newly acquainted eyes. They were the bizarre slitted ones, the ones that were that odd combination of green and yellow. How was that even possible?
It would be a previously-absent flash of lightning and a rather loud crack of thunder that would jolt him back to his senses. That's right: Idris was being attacked for whatever reason. So Alec moved a numb foot, stumbling, yet managing to remain on his feet. Bane observed him for a long moment, most likely assuring himself that the baker could remain upright, then tore off away from the battle.
Alec had no real choice but to maneuver himself clumsily after him.
He frequently shot his eyes over to Bane during their silent escape; he was quiet and thin-lipped, stepping lightly on the dirt road, highly alert. The man was carefully choosing their route, the baker concluded, and he followed him wordlessly, the makeshift sack clutched tighter and tighter in his hands. They were working away from the battle from the sounds of it, yet that changed very little.
And thankfully so.
A man lunged, sword in hand, a yell erupting from his large torso. Yet he stood very little chance as a light erupted - lightning perhaps? - forcing Alec's eyes closed. When he did finally blink them open, he did so tentatively, carefully. Their assailant was on the ground, Alec assumed dead, and Bane was looking to him in almost concern. Almost.
"Let's go," he stated after a moment, turning to depart once again on their escape.
"Wait. What happened?" Alec demanded once he got his voice to work properly.
Bane shot a glance back to his companion. "Now's not the time. I'll explain later if you're still interested. Now let's go."
"How do I know you're not going to dismember me or something?"
"Then you're dying no matter what you choose. I just happen to be proposing the most viable option for survival. It's your choice, really."
Alec hated it, he really did, but Bane did have a point. Yet the man was staring at the body, then peered once again to the baker.
"Can you work a sword or bow?" he pointed down toward the dead man's weapons.
Alec nodded. "Yeah. I can use both, but I'm better with a bow," he replied, readjusting the apron. How was he going to wield a weapon and carry the bread stash? But Bane just picked up both arms, strapped them to himself, and continued once again.
"I figure you'll probably need them as long as you'll be with us," he reasoned aloud. Alec wasn't entirely sure why, perhaps it was supposed to be comforting, perhaps it was supposed to be conversational. Whatever it was, he just allowed a noncommital grunt as he trailed.
—-
When the town was behind them, their paced slowed significantly. Luckily for them they ran into no more trouble, but behind them Alec could see small streams of smoke floating into the heavens. Not even the rain could quench the fires and torment; the images and sounds outside of the bakery were still engraved into his memory. His stomach sank as he watched columns, a reminder that his home was being destroyed, slaughtered. With that came a wave of anger, one that he allowed to bellow inside of him, swirl and stew. But he bit his dripping lip - there was nothing that could be done.
Well, save make sure his family was alive and well.
"Bane," he finally stated, his first words since the weapon discussion.
The man in question glanced back at him questioningly, a curious brow risen and his demeanor nearly turned around. "Hm?"
"I need to make a detour. My house isn't that far from here, and I need to make sure my siblings are safe," he said rapidly, eyes darting in its direction. It shouldn't take too long, and it should be far enough away not to compromise them. Not that it would have mattered - he would have gone with or without Bane.
But the man merely sighed after a moment's hesitation, nodding. "Fine, but it needs to be quick. We need put as much distance between us and Idris as possible, and we need to meet with Camille by nightfall."
Alec nodded. "It won't take long. It's not that far, and everyone should be home."
—-
It wasn't far at all, about 30 minutes out of the way and hidden by an increasing number of trees. What Bane thought of them, Alec wasn't sure. On one hand, he seemed more at ease with the extra cover, but he also seemed more alert due to the increased hiding spots. Yet their steps were cushioned by the extra foliage that inhabited the forest floor.
A snort from Bane and Alec found them right in front of his very home. "That isn't very nice," the latter grumbled as he stepped toward the door. Sure, it was small it could use some work, but it was certainly homey. Additionally, he could hear the typical sounds of his siblings within the tiny building, which calmed the increasing anxiety tugging at his stomach.
Alec pushed the door open and allowed the rest of his breath escape, one he wasn't aware he was holding. "Izzy."
The woman snapped her head in his direction and smiled. "Alec! You're home early and… saturated, and ohhhh!" It grew drastically wider. "You've brought someone with you! Who might this be?"
"I like her," Bane concluded with a nod, a few droplets falling from his chin and earning a slightly confused look from Alec. Wasn't he pressing him moments before about being hasty and serious? Well, the latter hadn't been outright stated, but he thought it had been at least implied.
"Izzy," started Alec again, returning his attention to his bubbling sister. "Where are Jace and Max? We have to go."
She raised a brow, although she sobered significantly. "Why? What happened? Where to?"
Alec opened his mouth to explain, not quite sure where he was going to start, but Bane spoke over him. It was a blessing more than anything, really.
"Your nice little town Idris won't exist tomorrow, there's a chance your house won't, and I'm pretty much your only option if you wish to survive. Your brother's still alive." He counted off the reasons on his long fingers and smiled at her in false cheeriness. "It's your choice, really, but please don't make me leave your beautiful brother to certain death. He's truly a work of art."
Alec coughed just as a "Thank you" sounded from one of the three doorways. "I know we just met, and I'm flattered, but I'm not interested. I guess you could say you're not exactly my type."
Bane crinkled his nose slightly. "Nah. You're too conventional. Anyway, I suppose you should come with us, too. How many of you are there?"
"Four. Where's Max?" Alec decided to chime in, scanning the room for a trace of the youngest of the four.
"Asleep," replied Jace lazily, leaned against a wall. "Now why should we come with you? Our parents did teach us about stranger danger."
"I can assure you I'm the least dangerous stranger you'll meet in the near future. Now seriously, get Max, grab what you need, and let's go. We've spent more time here than we should have."
Alec nodded, starting toward his shared room with Max, leaving the other two to stare at Bane suspiciously. They could be filled in later - as would he - but right now they needed more distance and to find that Camille person.
—-
Except that Camille didn't show up even long after nightfall, which seemed to put Bane on edge. The rain had subsided, luckily, and over a roll he recounted what had happened earlier on that day, which allowed Alec's siblings to be semi-up to date, but left him none the wiser. Who were those people? Why were they attacking Idris? They could have been pillagers, seeking territory, or attempting to make a political statement; those were certainly three possibilities.
Abruptly Bane stood, a sharp sound in the thoughtful and tense silence. "Alexander, your sword and bow are by some bags hidden in the bush. Grab only those, and leave everything else alone. I'm going to search for Camille and see if there are any survivors or salvageable supplies. I assume you can manage yourself and this troupe while I'm gone? There shouldn't be any trouble."
Alec took a moment to digest the information then nodded.
"Hey! I don't need anyone to manage me!"
Isabelle nearly smacked Jace. "Now isn't exactly the time for your snark!"
"I will be back by morning at latest. Don't stay up for me, but make sure there is someone on watch."
Once again Alec nodded in understanding. "Okay."
"Good. Take care!"
After Bane retreated into the forest, Jace let out a low chuckle. Amusement danced in his eyes, a fiery partner for the small flames lapping up toward the sky. "It would figure you would find the weirdo in this mess." He leaned forward, resting his chin in his hands. "I suppose we're going to have to wait and see what happens. Hopefully he finds us all a quaint little house, and then we can live happily ever after."
Alec snorted. "I never thought quaint fit us, much less you." He glanced over to his sister and brother. Max had fallen asleep long ago, shortly after the true briefing of the day's events. Isabelle, on the other hand, was ready to contribute to the conversation.
And that she did.
"That's because it doesn't. A quaint house wouldn't match his ego or contain it. The poor thing wouldn't stand a chance." A teasing grin graced the trio with an appearance.
"You wound me so!" A hand to his heart in mock hurt, Jace gasped.
"Drama queen," Alec muttered, yet loud enough for the a certain party to hear.
"At least I pull it off."
—-
The fire that crackled joyously amidst the heated explanations, the warm teasing, and cooling energy had long ago ebbed into faintly glowing embers. They barely gave off heat - not unless Alec placed his hands within inches of specimens - but they allowed him something to watch as the wind passed, whispering through the leaves. His ears would serve him better than his eyes he knew; the stars and moon were obstructed by clouds, plunging the world into near darkness. Yet he didn't risk reigniting the fire - not if it meant possibly giving away their position.
So Alec sighed, bow resting at his side, bored and his thoughts a mess. His parents stressed the importance of learning to use a sword and bow - not that he ever understood why - but he went along much like Isabelle and Jace did. Those two, however, seemed to excel at it much more than he did. That didn't stop him from discovering his affinity with a bow, though, and a hobby that would allow him to relieve stress when need be. That wasn't to say that he was terrible with close combat, he was quite skilled with a sword, but Isabelle took to her whip very quickly and Jace with whatever he could get his hands on. Alec would just need to learn to keep his head when confronted with such situations.
Yet perhaps those skills would prove themselves useful in the near feature. Speaking of which, he supposed he could use the time to analyze their situation and plan some possible routes of action. Their town had basically been demolished for no reason known to him or his siblings, although he did wonder if Bane knew more than he allowed. He wouldn't inquire anytime soon, they needed him for the time being, but that question would linger longer than it probably should have.
Bane did however state that he was going to find them someplace new, and he could hold him to that, but if that were to happen, what would his siblings and Alec do after that? If not, how would they proceed?
Alec shifted, his feet prickling with the sensation of reestablished blood flow. Perhaps it would be best to plan for worst case scenario first: in which Bane did not present them with a new suitable home. They had very little of value with them that they were willing to sell, a detrimental lack of foresight earlier, but they did possess some marketable skills. Isabelle was a highly skilled seamstress for her age as well as a way for weedling her way into the heart of anyone she pleased; she would likely be able to find an apprenticeship wherever she tried. Jace was graced by brute strength, something his figure showed subtly. While his figure was lean and thin, highly defined and toned muscles could be observed clearly where exposed, permitting him to perform very laborious tasks with ease (and allowed his already monstrous head to expand even more). Max was young enough yet that he could take up whatever he pleased, although it would be a while yet before he could bring in any steady income. Alec himself, finally, was an experienced baker.
They would surely be able to find jobs within a large enough town, and they would certainly be able to find acceptable lodging and hopefully be able to pay for the first month or so with whatever they would be able to save.
Best case scenario would be searching for jobs with a place to stay already.
A satisfied smile tugged at Alec's lips. It wouldn't be home, not right away, but it would be a start. And after being settled in, they would be able to send word to their parents that they were safe and of their whereabouts.
It may not have been foolproof, and it may not have been the best plan Alec had ever come up with, but it was comforting nonetheless. There was some semblance of a path before him, of a future. If nothing else, though, he would serve to make sure that the three sleeping near him would be as safe and happy as possible.
—-
A very disgruntled Alec was woken early the next morning by something nudging at his shoulder. He swatted at it, vainly hoping that it would give up its (not very) ferocious fight. Of course, it only made that source of irritation and consciousness more persistent.
"Go away." He attempted to cease the pestering by moving his shoulder mere inches, but that great effort did nothing more than produce a sigh from the bringer-of-annoyance and one final shove.
This woke Alec up as his torso was twisted in a way that didn't agree much with the shoulder. "Ow!"
"Then get up. Geez, if I didn't know any better, I'd have put you on the fire. You're like a log." The voice was clearly Jace's, although an odd mix of amusement and exasperation was laced in it. "Anyway, there was this woman here. She said she was here on behalf of the weird, fancy guy. Bane, was it?" His voice dropped slightly in mock formality.
Alec grumpily nodded his head, sufficiently awake to send his brother a glare as he did so. Jace, however, seemed oblivious much to his groggy dismay.
"Well, she was here, and she said he'd be back soon. He's tying up some loose ends, whatever that means. I'm assuming this means they also crossed paths." Alec opened his mouth to say something, but Jace continued speaking. "I know I'm genius; you don't have to comment on my amazing reasoning skills."
"I wasn't going to comment on your 'amazing reasoning skills'," grumbled Alec, finally pulling himself up into a sitting position. "I was going to comment on your arrogance and you knack for getting on nerves."
"What can I say? It's a package deal. Now get up, sleepy head. Breakfast."
With that Jace popped easily back up onto his feet.
"Breakfast" wasn't anything special; it consisted of a roll each to hopefully tie them over until Bane returned. He had restricted them from searching the bags, and one likely held something edible, so the resigned themselves to fairly meaningless chatter.
They had somehow managed to land on the topic of whether ticks can hibernate or not when Bane finally returned, fatigue written in his body language and face. His shoulders were sloped, dark circles hung under his eyes, and his already startling plain clothes (compared to the first day) where dishevelled. He still motioned for the four to rise to their feet when he stopped before them.
"I hope Camille found you." His voice was filled with the same exhaustion.
"She did, and it was a lovely discussion." Sarcasm dripped lightly from Jace's voice at the last part of his sentence.
"That's good news," Bane concluded to himself, then he ran a hand through his untamed hair. "Now if you could give me a moment to freshen up, we'll be embarking on a wonderful journey shortly."